Unilever Secures Food Future by Backing Smallholder Farmers
Unilever sources much of the produce behind its food and drink brands from smallholder farmers, who grow on less than two hectares of land.
These farmers provide essential raw ingredients, from palm oil and cocoa to tea and coconut sugar, yet face systemic barriers that threaten both their livelihoods and the global food supply chain.
The company is responding with a commitment to regenerative agriculture and targeted livelihood programmes, designed to improve farming practices, boost incomes and protect supply routes from the impacts of climate change and trade disruptions.
Relying on a vulnerable foundation
According to the World Economic Forum, the 600m smallholder farmers worldwide are responsible for 28â31% of total crop production and 30â34% of the global food supply.
For Unileverâs food and drink portfolio, these farmers are indispensable.
Palm oil from Indonesia, tea from India and cocoa from CĂ´te dâIvoire are key ingredients in many of its products.
But their position is precarious, as export restrictions, climate instability and domestic shortages put pressure on these producers.
Many lack access to finance, modern agricultural training or stable market opportunities.
Without the knowledge or resources to adopt sustainable farming methods, they face declining soil fertility, lower yields and reduced income, while supply chains risk becoming less reliable.
Regenerative farming, which includes cover cropping, crop rotation, reduced tillage and avoiding synthetic fertilisers, offers a route to healthier soils, greater biodiversity and longer-lasting farms.
It also makes crops more resilient to weather extremes, safeguarding the flow of essential ingredients into the global food system.
A pledge to build resilience
Unilever is committing to support smallholders across 13 crops in seven countries, combining agricultural training with economic opportunities.
The companyâs Chief Supply Chain and Operations Officer, Willem Uijen, says: "I'm proud of the strides we at Unilever have made together with our partners in implementing regenerative agriculture practices.
âWe are making headway towards our goal to cover 1 million hectares by 2030, focusing on key crops like soybean, rapeseed oil, vegetables and rice.
"This work is not only crucial for restoring soil health, conserving water and enhancing biodiversity.
"At the same time, it also strengthens our food supply chain, making it more sustainable, reliable and resilient to climate impacts."
By 2026, Unilever aims to help 250,000 farmers access livelihood programmes. These will include training on sustainable growing techniques, guidance on water and soil conservation, pest management and advice on diversifying crops and income streams.
Coconut sugar farmers in Indonesia are learning to conserve water and soil, while coffee growers in India are adopting intercropping to boost yields and reduce environmental impact.
In addition, women farmers are being trained as field facilitators, giving them leadership roles and greater independence.
Building on a decade of support
Since 2013, Unilever has supported tea farmers in India through the Trustea certification programme.
This scheme trains farmers to grow climate-resilient tea while meeting sustainability standards, improving both yields and incomes.
The aim is to certify between 7,000 and 10,000 farmers annually.
Other projects target coconut sugar farmers in Indonesia, with a goal to support more than 10,000 producers by 2030. In Indiaâs coffee sector, more than 50,000 farmers are expected to benefit from training and resource access by 2027.
These initiatives have a dual purpose: to improve the lives of farming communities and to stabilise the supply of key ingredients for Unileverâs food and drink products.
With partners across the world, the company is tailoring its programmes to local conditions, ensuring they address both environmental and economic needs.
For Unilever, these smallholders are more than suppliers; they are partners in sustaining the global food system.
