Unilever’s largest food brand – Knorr announced the launch of 50 new projects (around half of them in Europe) in regenerative agriculture in the next five years focusing on key ingredients (vegetables, grains, spices, herbs), to reduce Knorr’s carbon footprint.
Building on 10 years of sustainable agriculture collaboration with farmers and suppliers, Knorr’s plan is predicted to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and water by an estimated 30% while improving biodiversity, soil health and livelihoods.
In Northern France, Knorr is collaborating with PUR Projet and Green SOL in partnership with vegetable supplier Ardo to improve climate resiliency, as they have experienced decreased yields due to changes in weather conditions. By extending crop rotation, naturally enhancing pollinators in the environment and reducing the need for synthetic pollinators, this project is expected to have a positive impact on yield and quality while securing and increasing farmer income.
In the Extremadura region of Spain, Knorr is working with tomato supplier Agraz to tackle water scarcity, pests and diseases. This project includes optimising water use through satellite data and remote digital sensors and minimising the risks of pests and diseases through cover cropping (growing a different crop in the off season). This is projected to decrease the carbon footprint and water use while improving yield, soil health and farmer income. With the first harvest at the beginning of October, the farmers reported an increase in yield.
