Matt Carstens, Land O'Lakes Sustain
Matt Carstens will lead Land O’Lakes' new Sustain division as senior vice-president.

ARDEN HILLS, MINN. — Land O’Lakes, Inc. has launched a new business unit designed to focus on the company’s overall sustainability efforts. Sustain will be led by Matt Carstens, who recently joined the company as senior vice-president.

Chris Policinski, Land O'Lakes
Chris Policinski, president and c.e.o. of Land O’Lakes

“Stewardship of the land, water and air has been a hallmark of our farmers for generations, and we’re excited to announce a new step forward to serve our members and customers even better, and ultimately, continue our commitment to preserving our resources,” said Chris Policinski, president and chief executive officer of Land O’Lakes, Inc. “Our business portfolio, which includes Winfield US crop inputs, Purina animal feed and Land O’Lakes foods, gives us a ‘farm-to-fork’ view of what sustainability truly means for our industry. We believe that view, partnered with the tools and technology we have developed will help sustainability practices across the value chain of all our businesses and those of our partners in the industry.”

The Sustain business unit has three primary objectives: To ensure sustainable crop production by delivering insights, products and services; to enhance sustainability within the Dairy Foods and Feed businesses; and to partner with other entities, including government, to improve efficiency and collaboration on conservation and sustainability programs.

Mr. Carstens joins Land O’Lakes from Ames, Iowa-based United Suppliers, Inc. where he was vice-president. One of Mr. Carstens’ primary responsibilities at United Suppliers was to develop the company’s sustainability business. United Suppliers’ seed and crop protection businesses merged with Land O’Lakes in October 2015, and operates today as Winfield US. United Suppliers’ crop nutrient business will merge with Land O’Lakes in late 2017.

Land O’Lakes recently announced a new public-private partnership with the state of Minnesota to protect and improve water quality across the state.