Collective Action Essential to Scale Regenerative Agriculture across the Food System
We’ve launched a brand-new report with Footprint, the UK’s leading sustainability and ESG expert in the food and drink industry - Growing Regenerative Agriculture: How Businesses Can Help Deliver Impact at Scale. This new report examines how organisations across the hospitality and foodservice sector can help accelerate the transition to regenerative agriculture and deliver meaningful environmental and social impact.
With 2024 officially recorded as the hottest year on record, extreme weather events continue to disrupt global food supply chains. The report highlights the urgent need to rewire farming systems to restore nature, strengthen resilience, and reduce vulnerability to climate impacts.
Insights from across the supply chain
Through detailed analysis and interviews with farmers, manufacturers, and foodservice operators, the report explores how businesses can support the transition to regenerative farming while ensuring impact is measurable and credible.
It features case studies from organisations including McCain, McDonald’s, Compass Group, Fresh Direct and Wahaca, each demonstrating the power of partnership to deliver systemic change.
The research shows that:
- Industry-wide alignment on regenerative practices and outcomes is needed
- Financial support for farmers will be essential in de-risking the transition
- Consistent market demand must be sustained
- Businesses must engage beyond sustainability teams, ensuring cross-functional commitment
- Transparency is vital for demonstrating real benefits for people and planet
Why regenerative agriculture is central to Nestlé’s strategy
For us at Nestlé, regenerative agriculture is central to our sustainability strategy. In 2024, we achieved the key milestone that 20% of our key ingredients were sourced from farms adopting regenerative agriculture practices, a target met one year ahead of schedule. We aim to source 50% regeneratively by 2030.
“Regenerative agriculture represents one of the most powerful tools we have to protect the food system. But scaling it requires partnership and collaboration between farmers, manufacturers and hospitality operators to share risk, align on measurement and drive real, lasting change. This report offers the insight and evidence needed to help the industry turn ambition into action.”
Julia Jones, Head of Corporate Communications and Sustainability, Nestlé Professional
Understanding and communicating regenerative practices
The report also highlights growing consumer interest in sustainability, with younger people leading the shift. However, it cautions that public understanding of the term ‘regenerative’ remains low, underscoring the need for businesses to communicate transparently and back claims with evidence to maintain trust.
Practical guidance for the foodservice sector
The report provides practical recommendations and case studies to help organisations:
- Support farmers through the transition De-risk regenerative agriculture within supply chains
- Embed nature-positive principles into sourcing strategies
- Build transparent, credible measurement frameworks
These insights aim to help businesses deliver meaningful impact for both people and planet.
To view and download Growing Regenerative Agriculture: How Businesses Can Help Deliver Impact at Scale, click here
