Agricultural raw materials are the basis of Nestlé products and are central to the Company’s operations. In general, Nestlé is not involved in agricultural raw material production and does not own or operate farms. It purchases agricultural materials in either raw or semi-processed form, directly from farmers or via trade channels.
For Nestlé it is important that the environment from which these raw materials come is safe and protected in a sustainable manner. Safety and quality are key concerns.
Nestlé supports sustainable agricultural practices, including environmental protection, as the best means to assure the high quality needed for its finished products. Such practices must be both economically competitive and socially acceptable.
Preference is given to raw materials that are produced by sustainable farming practices, and suppliers are actively encouraged to apply sustainable agricultural practices.
For many years Nestlé has provided technical assistance to farmers to help them implement sustainable farming methods, especially in coffee production and dairy farming, with aparticular emphasis on conservation of natural resources (soil, water, air, energy, biodiversity) and techniques for reducing environmental impact. More information about raw materials such as milk, coffee and cocoa can be read in our Farmers and Agriculture section.
This is based on integrating all aspects of farm management including animal husbandry, crop management, post-harvest treatment, storage, transport and pest management.
Nestlé also co-founded the SAI Platform, the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative of the Food Industry to support sustainable agriculture in general. Hans Jöhr, Nestlé’s Vice President Agriculture, was elected President of the SAI Platform at its General Assembly in April 2006 for a two-year term. More information is available here SAI Platform website 
We have a section on the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative as part of our Farmers and Agriculture section on this site.
Read more in our Coffee Grounds and Pesticides case studies.