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Nestlé invests in farming technology to advance regenerative agriculture

2 min read
AUTHOR: Tilly St Aubyn
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Food and beverage giant Nestlé has unveiled its latest plans to support and accelerate the transition to a regenerative food system. The company has pledged to work with partners along its supply chains, including 500,000 farmers and 150,000 suppliers, to advance regenerative agriculture and protect the environment.

The announcement comes shortly after the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change which reported the intensity of the climate crisis.

Nestlé’s commitment to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 is demonstrated through its participation in the UN Business Ambition for 1.5°C pledge, which encourages companies to set targets inhibiting global temperature rises. Nestlé also published its climate plan in December 2020, outlining plans to halve its emissions by 2030 and hit net zero by 2050.

Nestlé is investing CHF 1.2bn (just over £954 million) over the next five years towards implementing regenerative agricultural practices across the company’s supply chain. It will dedicate funds to provide technological support, investment support and also pay premiums for regenerative agriculture goods.

“We know that regenerative agriculture plays a critical role in improving soil health, restoring water cycles and increasing biodiversity for the long term,” said Chairman of Nestlé, Paul Bulcke.

“These outcomes form the foundation of sustainable food production and, crucially, also contribute to achieving our ambitious climate targets.”, he continued.

Nestlé revealed that agriculture accounts for nearly two-thirds of its total greenhouse gas emissions, and it will therefore be taking measures to reduce emissions where possible including trialling new technology on farms. The company will begin working with 30 dairy farms across 12 countries to test scalable, climate friendly practices. Alongside this, it will also work with farmers to cultivate pulse varieties to be used as milk alternatives.

“With our long-standing partnerships with farming communities globally, we want to increase our support for farming practices that are good for the environment and good for people,” attested Nestlé CEO, Mark Schneider.

“In the spirit of enabling a just transition it is vital that we support farmers around the world that take on the risks and costs associated with the move towards regenerative agriculture”, he added.

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