What is regenerative agriculture, and why is it so important?
Regenerative agriculture represents a transformative approach to farming, focusing on enhancing soil health, capturing carbon, and promoting biodiversity. By implementing regenerative agriculture practices, the aim is to go beyond carbon capture and soil health to address broader ecological concerns.
At Nestlé we're aiming for 20% of our key ingredients to be sourced from farmers adopting regenerative agricultural practices by the end of 2025, and 50% by 2030.
We're taking action based on our five pillars: diverse cropping systems and livestock integration; biodiversity; collective and landscape actions; soil health; and water security and quality.
Our approach, set out in the Nestlé Agriculture Framework, encourages the development of locally relevant solutions, adapted to the wide range of ingredients used in our products. The framework includes key concepts from conservation agriculture, agroecology and precision farming. We work with suppliers to support farmers themselves, who have the knowledge and responsibility for the environments in which they work. We have developed training programmes and materials for the ingredients we source, including cereals, cocoa, coffee, dairy, vegetables and sugar.
The 5 Pillars of Regenerative Agriculture
Biodiversity
Nestlé’s commitment to biodiversity and ecosystem balance is rooted in a multifaceted approach that nurtures life both above and below the soil.
Plant life can be enhanced with more diversified crops, intercropping or planting cover crops between harvests, while encouraging more abundant microbes, fungi and animal life – including invertebrates, insects and bird life – can contribute to improved soil nutrient cycles, pollination, fertility and productivity.
Water security & quality, and soil health
Water stewardship and soil health are pivotal to Nestlé’s regenerative agenda. Recognising the imperative of water conservation, the company employs advanced irrigation techniques and digital tools to optimise water usage and minimise waste. These practices will help yield soils rich in organic matter, enhancing productivity, water retention, and carbon sequestration over the years to come.
To grow the food that we and our pets eat, we need arable land and healthy soil. Healthier soils have a greater ability to absorb and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, because they have higher levels of organic matter than degraded soils. Plus, soil with higher levels of organic matter can retain water more effectively.
Diverse cropping systems & livestock integration
By diversifying plant species, practicing intercropping, and fostering a rich tapestry of microbes, fungi, and animal life, the company aims to enhance soil nutrient cycles, pollination, and overall productivity.
This will not only bolster the resilience of farmers against climate change but also enrich their livelihoods.
Nestlé also integrates livestock into farming systems, utilising silvopasture and mixed farming to create symbiotic environments that benefit flora, fauna, and farmers alike.
Collective & landscape actions
Regenerative agriculture practices can look beyond individual farms to entire landscapes to help protect endangered natural resources through, for example, regional reforestation projects, protection of shared water resources and the creation of green ‘corridors’ aimed at fostering biodiversity.
The benefits can be felt not just by farmers, but entire communities in terms of welfare, profitability and reduced emissions.
Why Does Regenerative Farming Matter to You?
Nestlé Professional has teamed up with Bidfood on its ‘Talking Food’ podcast to cover all things regenerative agriculture including:
- What regenerative agriculture means.
- How Nestlé Professional is supporting farmers.
- Why it’s important for the future of foodservice.
With sustainability related practices becoming increasingly valued by consumers, it’s more important than ever that foodservice businesses prioritise improving their sustainability credentials.
Is regenerative the future of farming? What it means for the food service industry
The food and beverage industry grew rapidly over the 20th century to meet unprecedented population growth. While achieving the goal of providing affordable food for many, there was also an associated depletion of natural resources.
Realising the impact of scope 3 emissions, our industry has begun the urgent action needed to turn back the tide by adopting agricultural systems that sustain and improve resources.
This report takes a deep dive into why there is growing interest among farmers and food businesses in the concept of regenerative agriculture and how this can translate into meaningful, long-term regeneration.
