Nestle supports sustainable agri initiative confab

Nestle Philippines, Inc. (NPI), a long time proponent of sustainable agricultural practices in the Philippines, has expressed its full support for the staging of the First Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI) Platform Philippine Convention on Nov. 16 at the Emerald Ballroom of the Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila in Pasig City.

A founding member in the SAI Platform global organization, NPI will join the top food manufacturers, the government and representatives from academe in a gathering that would tackle how the private sector, particularly those in the food supply chain, can contribute in the enlivening the local agriculture sector.

Internationally, the SAI Platform is a joint effort by the food industry to actively support the development of sustainable agriculture. By doing so, the SAI platform hopes to ensure sustainable food supply for a growing population through efficient use of resources by promoting modern and environmentally conscious farming techniques among other food companies as well as local farmers.

With success stories from across the globe, it is not surprising that some of the largest and most trusted names in the food industry have signed up as members of SAI platform. Among the companies included in the SAI Platform are: the Coca-Cola Co., Dole, Kraft, Sara Lee, and McDonalds, while, Unilever, Danone, and Nestle are the founding members of SAI platform.

The quality and safety of food are vitally important, since they relate to the health of populations around the world and represent important consumer concerns. The SAI platform undertakes to improve the quality, safety and nutritional value of agricultural products by producing agricultural products with balanced nutritional content and ensuring the safety of agricultural products arising from the farm.

Currently, SAI platform has programs for improving the production and quality of cereals, coffee, dairy, fruit, palm oil, potatoes and vegetables.

Shared knowledge

As Bruno Olierhoek, Nestle business executive manager for the coffee business unit, explains: "Being a part of SAI Platform Philippine Convention is a natural extension of Nestle Philippines’ commitment to produce the highest quality products for the Filipino consumers as well safeguarding the best interests of local farmers and their communities."

Olierhoek points out that NPI’s active participation in SAI Platform now allows them to reach a wider audience and share valuable lessons learned from such programs as the Nestle Experimental and Demonstration Farm (NEDF) and the Coffee-Based Sustainable Farming System (CBSFS) with farmers and other food companies.