Nestlé Cereals to support UK farmers adopting regen ag practices

Starting with a focus on Shredded Wheat, Nestlé Cereals has formed partnerships with UK farmers and the collaborative venture Landscape Enterprise Networks (LENs) scheme, supporting their move to regenerative farming practices.

A number of UK farmers are already taking part, with aspirations to steadily grow this in the coming years.

To support the launch, Nestlé Cereals has included the Nestlé Wheat Plan on its Shredded Wheat packaging across all major retailers.

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.

Northamptonshire farmer Ian Matts is working with Nestlé Cereals to supply wheat for Shredded Wheat. He commented: “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 six 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.”

Robin Sundaram, responsible sourcing manager at Nestlé UK & Ireland, said: “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.”

Toby Baker, marketing director at Nestlé UK & Ireland Cereals, added: “Shredded Wheat is particularly popular among health-conscious adults looking for a low-fat, low-sugar, low-salt breakfast classic. Now, not only can our consumers enjoy their Shredded Wheat knowing that it is nutritious for their bodies, but they can learn about the positive impact our wheat farmers are working towards having on the environment too.”