Nestlé, a Swiss multinational food and drink processing conglomerate and the world’s largest food & beverage company, has launched the Institute of Agricultural Sciences to advance sustainable food systems by delivering science-based solutions in agriculture. The new institute is part of Nestlé Research and aims to address the challenges faced by global food systems in ensuring a sustainable food supply for a growing world population while contributing to farmer livelihoods.
Speaking at the inauguration, Paul Bulcke, Nestlé Chairman, said: “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. The new institute will strengthen our expertise and use our global network to support farming communities and protect our planet.”
The institute’s experts will screen and develop solutions in key focus areas such as plant science, agricultural systems and dairy livestock. It builds on Nestlé’s existing plant science expertise in coffee and cocoa, with plans to expand to other crops, including pulses and grains. The institute will work with farmers to trial regenerative agriculture practices to improve soil health and biodiversity, while exploring novel approaches in dairy farming that have potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
As part of Nestlé’s global R&D network, the institute will collaborate closely with external partners, including farmers, universities, research organizations, startups, and industry partners to assess and develop science-based solutions. It reaffirms the company’s commitment to strengthening Switzerland’s unique innovation ecosystem.
The institute incorporates an existing plant science research unit in France and farms based in Ecuador, Côte d’Ivoire, and Thailand, as well as partnerships with research farms. Nestlé’s plant scientists have been contributing to the company’s sustainable cocoa and coffee sourcing plans for many years, including the recent discovery of more disease and drought-resistant coffee varieties.
The Institute of Agricultural Sciences will support Nestlé’s commitment to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and to enhance the livelihoods of millions of people in communities connected to its business.
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 while minimizing their environmental impact. 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.”
Speaking at the official opening, Valérie Dittli, State Councilor of the Swiss Canton of Vaud, said: “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 that are underway 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 innovative ecosystem that brings together partners including agricultural professionals, schools for higher education and private research centers such as the one from Nestlé.”
