Introduction
Over two-thirds of our raw materials come from agriculture. At Unilever, we have always aimed for a responsible approach to farming practices. In recent years it has become clear that increasing environmental and social pressures on agriculture (which threaten our supply chains) and growing consumer concerns about the food chain (which threaten our markets) demand a more radical attitude. This led to the company's Sustainable Agriculture Program, which began in the 1990s.
Our impact
We are among the world's largest users of agriculture raw materials, and a major buyer of agricultural goods for processing on world markets. We process vegetable oils such as sunflower, soy and canola which are used in our spreads and dressings.
We have been involved with farmers for many years in developing agricultural best-practice guidelines. The guidelines are incorporated into our contracts with growers, and define soil preparation, fertilisation regimes, harvesting and other activities specific to each crop. Current best practice is mainly based on integrated farming principles, and involves judicious use of fertilisers and pesticides to maximise yield while minimising environmental impacts. From this basis, the sustainable agriculture program is a logical progression.
