Nestlé builds new farming institute in China

Swiss dairy giant Nestle is building a dairy farming institute in Shuangcheng in Heilongjiang province, China. The institute, with its series of training farms, aims to be the country’s leading dairy training centre, offering teaching courses from national and international experts, according to the company. The firm has had a factory in Shuangcheng since 1987.

Dairy farm owners and workers from Shuangcheng and other Chinese regions will be able to improve their farm management skills and learn how to use the latest agricultural technology. Practical experience will be offered in expanding the farm businesses, improving productivity and sourcing high quality milk sustainably. An investment fund of CNY2.5 billion (EUR308m) is being raised in conjunction with local partners to help fund the project.

Nestle’s work with farmers in Shuangcheng is part of what it calls ‘Creating Shared Value’, an approach to business that aims to create value for the company’s shareholders at the same time as for those communities where it operates.