Nestlé Cereals has announced the launch of the Nestlé Wheat Plan, an innovative sustainable farming initiative through which the business is forming partnerships with British wheat farmers to support the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices. Already a number of farmers in the UK are taking part in the Nestlé Wheat Plan, with aspirations to steadily grow this number in the coming years.

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As part of the plan, farmers are supported in striving to make their farming practices more sustainable; 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. 

Robin Sundaram, Responsible Sourcing Manager at Nestlé UK & Ireland, said: “The announcement of the Nestlé Wheat Plan is evidence of our long-term commitment and ambitious plans to make delicious breakfast cereals while having a positive impact on the environment where our wheat is grown.

“We know that production of crops depends on the state of the natural environment, which can be uncertain due to changing weather conditions. We also know that this will only get worse due to climate change. 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.”

Ian Matts, a Northamptonshire-based farmer working with Nestlé Cereals to supply wheat for Shredded Wheat, commented: “We are delighted to be part of the Nestlé Wheat Plan. 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 6 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.”

To support the launch, Nestlé Cereals has included the Nestlé Wheat Plan on its Shredded Wheat packaging across all major retailers. The back of pack for the nutritious breakfast classic, which can be enjoyed simply with milk or with added fruits, nuts and seeds, focuses on ‘better farming, better countryside’ and directs consumers to the Nestlé Cereals’ website to find out more.

Toby Baker, Marketing Director at Nestlé UK & Ireland Cereals, makers of Shredded Wheat said: “The Nestlé Wheat plan is fundamental to Shredded Wheat and as a brand that includes breakfast classics made of 100% wholegrain wheat, we are delighted to be the first Nestlé cereal to tell our consumers about this fantastic programme.

“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 bodies¹, but they can learn about the positive impact our wheat farmers are working towards having on the environment too.”

The Nestlé Wheat Plan also supports Nestlé’s wider commitment to achieve zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.