How collaboration with Synlait farmers is helping bring the Nestlé Dairy Plan to life in Aotearoa
At Nestlé, we know that transforming dairy is essential to building a more sustainable food future. As we launch our latest Nestlé Dairy Plan report, it’s clear that meaningful progress happens when ambition is matched with action on the ground.
In New Zealand, that action is being driven through strong partnerships — including our collaboration with Synlait and its network of farmer suppliers.
Working together to deliver real progress
Dairy plays a critical role in Nestlé’s global supply chain and climate journey, contributing a significant share of our agricultural emissions. With New Zealand farmers supplying milk to global markets, progress here matters — not just locally, but globally.
That’s why we’re investing for the long term — working alongside farmers as partners to help accelerate emissions reductions, strengthen farm resilience and secure the future of dairy.
Through the Nestlé Dairy Plan, this collaboration is enabling practical, measurable change on farm.
Supporting change on farm
Across Synlait’s farmer network, we’re seeing increased uptake of solutions that support more efficient, lower-emissions milk production.
These include:
- The use of precision tools and wearable technology to better manage herd health and productivity
- Trials of new approaches, such as ad-lib calf feeding
- Regenerative farming practices, including native tree planting to support biodiversity and carbon sequestration
Nestlé’s support is also helping to accelerate progress through Synlait’s Lead With Pride™ programme, which provides farmers with incentives, support and recognition as they transition to more sustainable practices.
By helping to de-risk change and invest in on-farm innovation, the programme is encouraging more farmers to take part — building momentum across the network.
Creating shared value in action
By working together, we’re:
- Supporting farmer livelihoods and building resilience for the future
- Driving measurable progress towards lower emissions milk
- Strengthening trust and long-term resilience in dairy supply
Importantly, these outcomes align directly with the priorities outlined in the Nestlé Dairy Plan report — demonstrating how global ambition is being delivered locally.
From plan to progress
The Nestlé Dairy Plan sets out our aim to support the transition of dairy farming globally — but progress depends on partnerships in communities like those here in New Zealand.
By working closely with farmers, investing in innovation, and supporting practical change, we’re helping turn that ambition into action.
And together, we’re building a more resilient future for dairy.
To hear more about this partnership and from Synlait farmers themselves on the progress being made, watch this video:
