Nestlé Professional has reinforced its commitment to sustainable practices by unveiling its latest report in collaboration with Footprint, "Unlocking the Community Benefits of Regenerative Agriculture from Field to Fork". This comprehensive report reveals how regenerative agriculture is not only restoring ecosystems but also rebuilding local economies and transforming rural communities.
The report reveals that regenerative farms play a crucial role in revitalising local economies, supporting more local jobs and creating stronger connections between farmers and their communities. For instance, according to a study by GIST Impact, supported by the Global Alliance for the Future of Food, farms adopting regenerative principles often see farmer incomes rise by up to 49% due to lower input costs and increased community engagement.
Regenerative agriculture is helping to restore community connections. Farms involved in regenerative practices often work closely with schools, hospitals, and community groups to provide educational opportunities and access to fresh, sustainably produced food. The report also highlights how farm visits and open community programmes are strengthening the relationship between farms and local people.
One of the report’s key highlights is Nestlé’s partnership with First Milk, where farmers receive a sustainability bonus for adopting regenerative methods. This financial incentive rewards farmers for their broader environmental contributions, such as reduced use of chemicals, which has improved water quality and biodiversity. In collaboration with The Allerton Project, Nestlé is also providing practical land management support to farmers, helping them transition to regenerative practices. As part of these initiatives, nearly 500 Nestlé UK & Ireland employees will visit farms this year, immersing themselves in the realities of regenerative agriculture.
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.”
The report calls for greater collaboration across the food industry. Farm clusters, where groups of farmers work together to improve local ecosystems and protect their shared resources, are proving particularly effective in scaling the benefits of regenerative farming at the community level. These collaborations are essential for creating lasting economic and social benefits for communities.
The report launch, held at a First Milk partner farm in Cumbria, featured a panel of experts discussing the real-world impact of regenerative practices on local communities.
