Unlocking the Community Benefits of Regenerative Agriculture

Our latest report, "Unlocking the Community Benefits of Regenerative Agriculture from Field to Fork", created in collaboration with Footprint, provides a comprehensive look at the economic, social, and environmental rewards of regenerative farming. The findings show how regenerative agriculture is driving local economic growth, creating jobs, and strengthening communities, while also benefiting the environment.

Regenerative agriculture strengthens communities

The report highlights that regenerative farms are bringing tangible benefits to local communities. According to a study by GIST Impact, supported by the Global Alliance for the Future of Food, farms that have adopted regenerative practices have seen incomes increase by up to 49%, thanks to reduced input costs and stronger connections to local economies. In addition to financial gains, regenerative farming is providing new job opportunities, as these farms often require more labour than conventional ones. Community involvement is central to the success of regenerative farms. The report highlights how regenerative farms are working with schools and local institutions to provide educational programmes, reconnecting the public with where their food comes from. Farm visits, educational workshops, and community partnerships are bringing farming back to the heart of local life, fostering a stronger sense of community connection and shared purpose.

Collaborative partnerships driving change

Nestlé’s partnerships with First Milk and The Allerton Project are key drivers in supporting farmers through their transition to regenerative farming. The First Milk sustainability bonus rewards farmers not only for their products but also for the positive environmental impacts they create, such as improving soil health and water quality. Meanwhile, The Allerton Project provides hands-on guidance, helping farmers manage their land sustainably.

Additionally, farm clusters—where groups of farmers collaborate to improve local habitats—are highlighted in the report as a successful model for scaling regenerative practices across larger areas. One such farm cluster in Suffolk covers 4,000 hectares and has mapped every hedgerow in the area, with plans for restoration projects that will benefit the entire landscape.

Katya Simmons, Managing Director at Nestlé Professional UK&I, said: "Regenerative agriculture has the power to transform not only our food systems but also the communities they support. By strengthening local ecosystems, improving livelihoods, and fostering community resilience, regenerative practices can make a real, lasting impact. At Nestlé, we are deeply committed to fostering partnerships that not only drive meaningful change within our supply chains but also empower communities. Together, we can help create a sustainable, resilient, and equitable future."

A call for industry collaboration

The report calls for greater collaboration across the food industry. to ensure the long-term success of regenerative farming. Shared goals and metrics will help ensure that environmental and social benefits are maximised, enabling farmers, businesses, and communities to thrive together. Dynamic procurement models, where local institutions like hospitals and schools buy from nearby regenerative farms, are already showing great potential for scaling community benefits.

Download our latest report in partnership with Footprint: Unlocking the Community Benefits of Regenerative Agriculture from Farm to Fork

Explore the full report to see how regenerative agriculture is transforming communities and rebuilding rural economies. Download it here: