With global food systems under pressure, there is an increased need for sustainable food that contributes to farmers’ livelihoods and Nestlé says it’s on track to advance sustainable food by delivering science-based solutions in agriculture.

The company has inaugurated the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, which according to Bulcke, will strengthen Nestlé’s expertise and use its global network to support farming communities and protect the planet.

At the new institute, Nestlé experts screen and develop solutions in key focus areas such as plant science, agricultural systems and dairy livestock.

“We have nurtured direct relationships with generations of farmers around the world. To continue providing people with tasty, nutritious and affordable foods, we need to transition together to a more sustainable food system,” says Paul Bulcke, Nestlé chairman. 

Tapping into plant science and agriculture 
The institute builds on the company’s existing plant science expertise in coffee and cocoa. Over many years, Nestlé scientists have been contributing to its sustainable cocoa and coffee sourcing plans – the Nestlé Cocoa Plan and Nescafé Plan – including the recent discovery of additional disease and drought-resistant coffee varieties.

The company is strengthening this expertise and expanding it to other crops, including pulses and grains. 

The institute will also work with farmers to trial regenerative agriculture practices to improve soil health and encourage biodiversity. In addition, experts explore novel approaches in dairy farming that have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the areas of cow feed and manure management.

“Our goal is to identify the most promising solutions to promote the production of nutritious raw materials while minimizing their environmental impact,” comments Jeroen Dijkman, head of the Nestlé Institute of Agricultural Sciences. “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.”

As part of Nestlé’s global R&D network, the institute collaborates closely with external partners, including farmers, universities, research organizations, start-ups and industry partners, to assess and develop science-based solutions. The new institute reaffirms the company’s commitment to strengthening Switzerland’s innovation ecosystem.

At the official opening, Valérie Dittli, the Swiss Canton of Vaud’s state councilor, says: “The new institute is strengthening the Canton of Vaud as a center of excellence for research and education in agriculture and nutrition. It also contributes to the efforts to support farmers in the face of climate change.” 

“Agriculture is at the core of quality nutrition and in the Canton of Vaud, we can count on an ecosystem that brings together partners including agricultural professionals, schools for higher education and private research centers such as the one from Nestlé.”

In addition to its new facilities at Nestlé Research in Switzerland, the institute incorporates an existing plant science research unit in France, farms based in Ecuador, Côte d’Ivoire and Thailand, and partnerships with research farms.