Nestlé Cereals launches Wheat Plan to aid sustainable agriculture

Nestlé Cereals has today announced the launch of the Nestlé Wheat Plan, a sustainable farming initiative through which the business is forming partnerships with British wheat farmers to support the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices.

Working with collaborative venture the Landscape Enterprise Networks (LENs) scheme and its wheat farmers, the cereal manufacturer says the Nestlé Wheat Plan aims to reduce the impact of modern farming, help drive sustainable wheat sourcing in the UK, and is part of the business’ commitment to make breakfast better whilst helping look after the environment where our wheat is grown.

As part of the plan, farmers are supported in striving to make their farming practices more sustainable. Nestlé  says regenerative farming methods reduce pesticide use, carbon emissions and soil erosion, while simultaneously improving organic soil matter and biodiversity. This is achieved through practices like cover cropping which protects water quality and ensures the soil isn’t left bare and vulnerable to erosion, reduced cultivation to keep soils healthier and reduce C02 losses to the atmosphere, or planting hedgerows which creates new habitats for biodiversity, captures carbon from the atmosphere, and absorbs moisture from soil in wet weather.

“The announcement of the Nestlé Wheat Plan is evidence of our long-term commitment and ambitious plans to make delicious breakfast cereals while having a positive impact on the environment where our wheat is grown,” said Robin Sundaram, Responsible Sourcing Manager at Nestlé UK & Ireland.

“We know that production of crops depends on the state of the natural environment, which can be uncertain due to changing weather conditions. We also know that this will only get worse due to climate change. By supporting our wheat farmers to transition to more regenerative farming practices they will become more resilient in the long term, as well as reduce their environmental impact with benefits for carbon, flood mitigation, water quality, air quality and soil health. Ultimately, this will also help us maintain the stable wheat supply necessary to continue producing the nation’s favourite cereals.”

Ian Matts, a Northamptonshire-based farmer working with Nestlé Cereals, added: “We are delighted to be part of the Nestlé Wheat Plan. Initiatives like the Nestlé Wheat Plan are fundamental to the successful transition to regenerative farming for both farmers and the wider industry.

“We’ve been using regenerative farming methods for 6 years and have begun to see the positive effects it has made on the farm. We are pleased to be part of the Nestlé Wheat Plan and are excited to work with Nestlé Cereals to drive forward our sustainable farming practices.”