Sustainability in Agriculture

Given the impact of food production on the environment, several companies have been changing and improving strategies to reduce carbon footprints and create more sustainable products and a sustainable supply chain. Two major companies that have come to the forefront of these types of efforts are Nestle USA and Yum! Brands.

December 6, 2023 | by BCCCC Staff

Feeding a Healthier Environment 

Food production is a resource-intensive process that, through the use of land, water, and other finite materials, directly and indirectly impacts the environment. And, as global populations rise and incomes increase, the environment faces even more pressure from the impact of food production due to a combination of increased demands and diminishing natural resources, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.¹ Food production results in emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, and other planet-warming gases through land clearing and deforestation for agriculture and grazing, digestion by cattle and other livestock, and the production and use of fertilizers. Overall emissions are equivalent to about 16 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide a year, or about 30% of total global emissions.²

Recently, several efforts and recommendations have been made to reduce emissions from food production and consumption. The United Nations has recommended practices that make use of better agricultural practices, such as improved manure and fertilizer management, cutting back on food waste, and restoring degraded lands.³ Given the impact of food production on the environment, several companies have been changing and improving strategies to reduce carbon footprints and create more sustainable products and a sustainable supply chain.⁴  Two major companies that have come to the forefront of these types of efforts are Nestle USA and Yum! Brands. Here, we take a look at some practices and recent innovations that have been successful in the short term and provided positive steps toward long-term goals.

Unlocking the power of food

Nestle offers a broad portfolio of food and beverage products for people and their pets through four main businesses: Nestle USA, Nestle Health Science, Nespresso, and Nestle Purina PetCare Company. The company employs more than 30,000 people in its operations in the United States, and Nestle brands are in 94% of homes in the country. Nestle aims to move towards a more sustainable future through improvement in every production and supply chain area, from farm to table, with a goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Through innovative initiatives, the company is working to create a resilient, regenerative, healthy food system that delivers sustainable results both for the environment and the business. 

Many of Nestle’s commitments are already in action. Along with other food manufacturers, Nestle recently teamed up with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for the BeefUp Sustainability Program. The program will support sustainable grazing practices across 1.7 million acres in the U.S. over the next few years. One of the most significant private sector regenerative ranching initiatives in the U.S. to date, the initiative will support ranchers in adopting voluntary agricultural practices that help combat climate change. The partnership will unite private landowners and local conservation organizations to look at the ways they manage land, wildlife, and other natural resources, including a focus on improved water quality and grassland habitats. It’s estimated that these innovative solutions would generate carbon benefits across more than 15 states, including areas in the Great Plains, Mountain West, Midwest, and Southeastern parts of the country, and, according to the United Nations, could sequester up to an estimated 845,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent over the next five years.

“Working together as an industry leverages expertise and helps achieve the scale critical to accelerating the shift to regenerative farming,” said Emily Johannes, director of diverse and sustainable sourcing at Nestle USA. “Taking action on regenerative agriculture means supporting farmers and ranchers to implement on-farm practices that help replenish the land, absorb carbon, and enhance the health of our environment.”

The company has also introduced plans to integrate more sustainable farming methods to support Nescafe, the world's largest coffee brand. Since 2010, Nestle has invested in sustainability projects worldwide aimed at responsible sourcing, improving livelihood, and reducing environmental impact. The company recently invested $1 billion into the Nescafe 2030 plan. The money from this initiative will help farmers promote soil fertility by incorporating organic fertilizers, increase their use of agroforestry and intercropping—practices that contribute to biodiversity preservation—and prune their existing coffee trees or replace them with disease- and climate-change-resistant varieties. The company has also invested in developing disease- and drought-resistant coffee and cocoa plants that yield more product. In Mexico, this change in coffee varieties is already delivering 50% higher yields and a 30% reduction in carbon footprint, bringing the company closer to its environmental goals.

“Our people are seizing opportunities across our business, within our walls and beyond, to help transform the food system and communities for the better,” said Steve Presley, executive vice president and chief executive officer of Nestle’s Zone North America. “Today, we are using our size and scale to deliver on ambitious goals and taking actions that can make a real difference.”