Nestlé and the World Farmers’ Organisation (WFO) have teamed up in a landmark initiative to build climate-resilient food systems, setting a new precedent for collaboration between industry and agriculture. Announced on October 9, 2025, and described by both parties as a "first of its kind" partnership, this move aims to address the mounting challenges that climate change poses to global food production.
Climate change is no longer a distant threat for farmers—it’s a daily reality. As unpredictable weather, shifting seasons, and extreme events become more common, food producers are feeling the strain. Yet, despite these obstacles, farmers are increasingly recognized as key drivers of solutions. The new partnership between Nestlé and the WFO is designed to empower those on the front lines of food production, supporting them in adopting climate-smart and regenerative agricultural practices that can sustain both people and the planet for generations to come.
According to Nestlé, the collaboration is focused on supporting sustainable farming practices and enhancing climate resilience. The company, which works with approximately 600,000 farmers worldwide, is leveraging its global reach to amplify the voices and needs of agricultural communities. The WFO, representing over one billion farmers in more than 50 countries, brings unparalleled insight into the everyday realities and aspirations of growers across the globe.
"Farmers are facing the challenges of climate change every day, but they are also driving the solutions," said Arnold Puech d’Alissac, President of the WFO, in a statement published by New Food Magazine. "Real change demands holistic approaches and collaboration across the value chain. This partnership with Nestlé aims to lead by example, showing how farmers and industry can work together, with trust and respect, to build food systems that are fair, resilient, and sustainable for people and the planet."
At the heart of the partnership is a commitment to regenerative agriculture—a suite of farming techniques that go beyond sustainability to actively restore and enhance natural ecosystems. These methods, which include practices like cover cropping, reduced tillage, and integrated livestock management, are proven to improve soil health, boost biodiversity, and secure long-term productivity. By promoting these techniques, Nestlé and the WFO hope to set new standards for the industry and inspire others to follow suit.
Chris Hogg, Nestlé’s Global Head of Public Affairs, emphasized the importance of putting farmers at the center of this transformation. "Farmers, who are deeply aware of today’s crop production challenges, are highly proficient at adapting and finding ways to work with the planet’s natural resources to produce food," Hogg said, as reported by New Food Magazine. "By partnering with the WFO, we want to put farmers at the centre and share their insights and concerns to help inform food policies."
The partnership is structured around several key pillars. First, it aims to raise awareness of regenerative agriculture, making the case for its adoption not just as an environmental imperative, but as a pathway to economic viability for farmers. Second, the initiative will focus on strengthening farmers’ technical capacity—offering training, resources, and support to help them implement new practices effectively. Third, Nestlé and the WFO plan to co-develop farming models that are both economically and environmentally sustainable, ensuring that growers can thrive while also protecting the natural resources on which their livelihoods depend.
But the vision doesn’t stop there. Both organizations recognize that the future of food depends on the next generation of farmers. Engaging young people in agriculture—through education, mentorship, and opportunities for innovation—is seen as essential to building resilient food systems. By fostering youth involvement, the partnership hopes to secure the long-term sustainability of farming communities and ensure that agricultural knowledge continues to evolve with changing times.
This new alliance comes at a critical moment. As climate change accelerates, the need for resilient, adaptable food systems has never been more urgent. Farmers around the world are already experimenting with new crops, adjusting planting schedules, and adopting water-saving technologies to cope with unpredictable conditions. Yet, as the WFO has repeatedly argued, these efforts must be supported by broader policy changes and industry collaboration if they are to succeed at scale.
The partnership is also notable for its emphasis on farmer-led solutions. Rather than imposing top-down mandates, Nestlé and the WFO are working to ensure that agricultural voices are central to decision-making. This approach, they argue, is crucial for developing policies and practices that are both practical and effective on the ground. "Putting farmers at the centre" isn’t just a slogan—it’s a recognition that those who work the land have unique insights into what works, what doesn’t, and what’s needed to secure the future of food.
For Nestlé, the collaboration aligns with its broader sustainability commitments. The company has made public pledges to reduce its environmental footprint and source ingredients more responsibly. By joining forces with the WFO, Nestlé is signaling its intention to move beyond incremental change and embrace systemic transformation—one that benefits both producers and consumers.
Meanwhile, the WFO continues to advocate for farmer representation in global climate and food policy discussions. With more than one billion members worldwide, the organization is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between grassroots experience and international decision-making. Its partnership with Nestlé is seen as a model for how industry and agriculture can work together, combining resources and expertise to tackle shared challenges.
Of course, the road ahead won’t be easy. Transitioning to regenerative agriculture requires investment, education, and sometimes a leap of faith. Farmers must balance short-term economic pressures with long-term sustainability goals, often in the face of uncertain markets and shifting regulations. But with support from partners like Nestlé and the WFO, there’s growing optimism that a more resilient, equitable food system is within reach.
As climate impacts intensify, the stakes for global food security have never been higher. The new partnership between Nestlé and the World Farmers’ Organisation offers a blueprint for action—one that puts farmers at the center, prioritizes regenerative practices, and champions collaboration across the value chain. Whether this "first of its kind" initiative will spark broader change remains to be seen, but for now, it stands as a hopeful sign that industry and agriculture can work hand in hand to shape a better future for all.
