Weekly Roundup: Nestlé and Cargill support sustainable grazing practices, EFSA revises animal welfare legislation

31 Mar 2023 --- This week in industry news, Nestlé and Cargill join forces on sustainable grazing practices across 1.7 million acres in the US over the next five years. This partnership will support ranchers in adopting voluntary agricultural practices that help combat climate change. Meanwhile, Cult Food Science signed a binding letter of intent (LOI) to acquire Because Animals Inc.’s consumer brands and formulations. In the EU, animal welfare legislation was also slated for change.

In brief: Business moves
Nestlé, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), and Cargill are coming together to scale the adoption of voluntary conservation practices that help fight climate change. The companies will support vital habitat for native wildlife, while also sustaining a robust beef supply chain. In one of the largest corporate commitments to regenerative ranching in the US to date, the two food companies will invest a combined US$15 million. This commitment will leverage up to US$15 million in federal funds, leading to the activation of up to US$30 million in grant funding over the next five years. This partnership will bring together private landowners and local conservation organizations to support voluntary land management practices, improve water management, and restore wildlife habitats. The work helps generate carbon benefits across more than 15 states.

Royal FrieslandCampina, DSM and Agrifirm have incorporated Bovaer into the farming activities of 158 dairy farms in the Netherlands.Dutch dairy company Royal FrieslandCampina, DSM and feed supplier Agrifirm have incorporated Bovaer into the regular farming activities of 158 dairy farms in the Netherlands in the world’s first large-scale on-farm use of the methane-reducing feed additive for cattle. The six-month program, which started in 2022, confirmed that Bovaer could easily be introduced at scale without affecting animal health, milk production or milk composition. This work supports the quicker adoption of Bovaer by the dairy sector, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping the Netherlands to reach its climate targets. 

Emmi is bundling its goat’s milk powder activities under the umbrella of the newly established Emmi Nutritional Solutions (ENS) and commissioning a new, resource-efficient production facility at its existing site in Etten-Leur in the Netherlands. The spray-drying facility is energy efficiency and meets the growing demand for high-quality, nutrient-rich goat’s milk powder, particularly for use in baby food. With the CHF 40 million investment in this attractive growth niche, Emmi is also creating economic prospects for regional goat’s milk suppliers.

Cult Food Science, a pioneer in the investment, development and commercialization of cellular agriculture technologies and products, has signed a binding LOI to acquire Because Animals Inc.’s consumer brand assets, related patents, non-scientific intellectual property and product formulations. The acquisition will join internally developed pet food brands to form the company’s new Pet Food Division, which aims to develop and commercialize cultivated pet food products in collaboration with its portfolio companies.

EIT Food launched its first Regional Innovation Scheme Open Innovation Call for Central and Eastern Europe, aiming to accelerate innovation toward creating positive change in the food system. EIT Food is supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT).. Applications are now open, with a total of up to €1.5 million (US$1.6 million) available to organizations across Central and Eastern Europe that are working to tackle the significant issues in the agri-food supply chain this region currently faces. 

In brief: Sustainability efforts
Flavorchem established a new corporate program that aligns with sustainability practices. EcoVadis, a recognized global player in sustainability management, awarded Flavorchem the silver medal, up from last year’s bronze. Flavorchem also diverted over 15.8% of its municipal waste from landfills through its recycling efforts.

Olam Agri, an agribusiness and a major rice distributor in Cameroon, announced that Riz Bijou, one of the brands from its fragrant rice range popularly known as “Rice of the People,” has been recognized as the “Best Rice Brand” in Cameroon for the second consecutive year by Fondation Camerounaise des Consommateurs, a consumer rights civil society organization.

In brief: Other highlights
New recommendations published in a scientific opinion by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) supports revising the EU’s animal welfareRiz Bijou is a premium long grain rice brand. legislation. Veal calves should now be housed in small groups during their first weeks of life and individual pens should be avoided to improve their welfare. Calves also need sufficient space to rest and play and access to comfortable bedding. EFSA’s scientists said long-cut fibrous feed such as hay should be provided to calves from the age of two weeks onward and gradually increased over time. 

The South African-based Competition Commission formally launched the Fresh Produce Market Inquiry (FPMI) in Tshwane. The FPMI aims to examine whether any features in the fresh produce value chain impede, restrict or distort competition in the market. The market inquiry will focus on particular issues at each layer of the value chain, including the sale of fresh produce by the farmer to the customer. The Commission identified three themes that cover the entire fresh produce value chain, including the efficiency of the value chain, market dynamics of critical inputs and barriers to entry, expansion and participation. The FPMI will focus on selected fruits and vegetables that are representative of the fresh produce value chain. The identified fruits and vegetables account for at least 70% of the production and sale of these products throughout South Africa.

By Elizabeth Green