Nestlé opens sustainable food research institute

The world’s largest food and beverage company, Nestlé, is advancing its sustainability credentials with a host of new science-based solutions

Global food systems are under more pressure than ever before. Human population growth, wealth inequality, and global warming particularly threaten those in developing countries.

Therefore, world leaders are calling upon governments and corporations to accelerate new approaches to ensure there is a sustainable supply of food.

Nestlé is taking on the challenge. The food giant’s new Institute of Agricultural Sciences will focus on pioneering science-based solutions in agriculture, plant science, and livestock.

“We have nurtured direct relationships with generations of farmers around the world,” said Paul Bulcke, Nestlé Chairman.

“To continue providing people with tasty, nutritious, and affordable foods, we need to transition to a more sustainable food system.

“The new institute will strengthen our expertise and use our global network to support farming communities and protect our planet.”

Nestlé has a history of supporting sustainability. The company’s plant scientists have developed sustainable cocoa and coffee sourcing frameworks and disaster-resistant crops.

The institute will begin by focusing on crops, such as pulses and grains. It will also begin work alongside local farmers to trial new regenerative agricultural practices to recover soil health and foster biodiversity.

Jeroen Dijkman will head-up the Nestlé institute. “Our goal is to identify the most promising solutions to promote the production of nutritious raw materials while minimizing their environmental impact,” he said.

“We take a holistic approach and look at several factors including impact on yield, carbon footprint, food safety and cost, as well as the viability of scale-up.”