Managing Water in Agriculture and Communities
Nestlé will encourage farmers to promote good water management in agriculture
In Yazman, Pakistan, Sadia Nawab carries water from one of the 250 desert wells, built by Nestlé. Nestlé's cooperation with farmers is based on long-term experience in sourcing agricultural materials, especially milk and coffee, the main raw materials purchased by the Company. Where appropriate, the Company assists farmers in producing these materials through sustainable practices which include, amongst others, environmentally-safe production methods covering responsible water management and protection. Nestlé currently assists approximately 400,000 farmers in improving their income.
Since Nestlé uses significant quantities of agricultural materials and agriculture is a major user of water, the Company decided in 2006 to re-evaluate its cooperation with farmers, to better respond to increasing water needs and to deal with water scarcity. Current agricultural and water-related activities, which are an integral part of our Sustainable Agriculture Initiatives, are being used as the base for future sourcing programmes and for new insights with regard to water issues.
Although water programmes need global efforts and individual companies have limited possibilities, Nestlé contributes , through its field services, to programmes launched by governmental or intergovernmental organisations in addressing solutions through public-private partnerships in rural areas.
Future sourcing programmes
Agricultural field services in most countries where Nestlé sources raw materials – primarily milk, coffee and cocoa – develop awareness amongst local farmers in water usage and protection The main orientation of Nestlé's future sourcing programmes will concentrate on areas where we have close relationships with farmers and primary processors, as well as in regions of water scarcity. The company will contribute to improving water usage and protection through its R&D facilities and with its agricultural field services. Improved knowledge and better awareness will help in establishing programmes such as training of field agronomists to better disseminate good practices on water usage, to make better use of available water sources, and to protect these sources adequately for the benefit of farmers and rural communities.