Scientific research applied to the agri-food sector to minimize environmental impact

Perhaps we do not dwell enough on analyzing the close correlation between the depletion of natural resources with respect to the food sustenance of a continuously growing world population.

Intensive cultivation requires water, chemical fertilizers, herbicides, energy in ever greater quantities, year after year, leading to an extremely negative.

The meat chain is also responsible for the extensive cultivation of forage, deforestation in some countries, the disproportionate use of water, soil, the production of animal-derived pollutants.

Even multinationals operating in the food sector are understanding that a more sustainable food supply chain is the key to contributing to climate balancing and customer satisfaction.

For these reasons Nestlé has officially inaugurated the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, to help advance sustainable food systems by providing solutions based on science in agriculture.

Speaking at the inauguration, Paul Bulcke, President of Nestlé, said: "We have cultivated relationships with generations of farmers around the world. To continue providing people with tasty, nutritious and affordable food, we must move together to a more sustainable food system. The new research institute will strengthen our expertise and use our global network to support farming communities and protect our planet".

With global food systems under pressure, there is an urgent need to accelerate new approaches that ensure sustainable food supply, for a growing world population, while contributing to farmers' livelihoods.

In the new institute, Nestlé experts examine and develop solutions in key areas of interest, such as plant science, agricultural systems and livestock from milk.

It also builds on the company's existing expertise in plant science in coffee and cocoa. For many years, Nestlé plant scientists have contributed to Nestlé's sustainable cocoa and coffee sourcing plans.

Nestlé is now strengthening this expertise and extending it to other crops, including legumes and cereals. The institute is also working with farmers to pioneer regenerative agriculture practices to improve soil health and encourage biodiversity.

In addition, experts explore new approaches in dairy farming, which have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in sectors of cow feeding and manure management.

Jeroen Dijkman, Head of Nestlé Institute of Agricultural Sciences, said: "Our goal is to identify the most promising solutions to promote the production of nutritious raw materials, minimizing their environmental impact.

We take a holistic approach and consider several factors, including impact on yield, carbon footprint, food safety and costs, as well as the feasibility of scaling up."

As part of Nestlé's global research and development network, the institute works closely with external partners including farmers, universities, research organisations, startups and industrial partners to evaluate and develop science-based solutions.

The new institute reaffirms the company's commitment to strengthening Switzerland's unique innovation ecosystem.

Speaking at the official opening, Valérie Dittli, state councilor of the Swiss canton of Vaud, said: "The new institution is strengthening the canton of Vaud as a center of excellence for research and education in agriculture and food.

It also contributes to the efforts that are underway to support farmers in the face of climate change.

Agriculture is at the heart of quality nutrition and, in the Canton of Vaud, we can count on an innovative ecosystem that brings together partners including agricultural professionals, higher education schools and private research centers such as Nestlé's."

In addition to its new facilities at Nestlé Research in Switzerland, the institute incorporates an existing plant scientific research unit in France, and farms based in Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Thailand, as well as partnerships with research farms.

Automatic translation. We apologize for any inaccuracies. Original article in Italian.

Source: Nestlé