Unilever backs smallholder farmers with sustainable practices to strengthen global supply chains

Image Credit: Unilever

Unilever depends heavily on smallholder farmers for many of its core raw ingredients. These farmers, however, often face systemic barriers that make them vulnerable to global disruptions. To address this challenge, Unilever is investing in regenerative agriculture and livelihood programmes, equipping farmers with the tools they need to build resilience while strengthening the company’s supply chains against future shocks.

From palm oil plantations in Indonesia to tea farms in India and cocoa production in Côte d’Ivoire, smallholder farmers form the backbone of Unilever’s supply network. The World Economic Forum estimates that 600 million smallholder farmers, each working on less than two hectares of land, are responsible for up to a third of the world’s crop production and food supply.

Yet despite their importance, many farmers remain trapped by barriers such as limited access to finance, scarce agricultural training, and difficulties entering new markets. Without access to modern farming practices, these farmers are unable to adopt sustainable methods that reduce emissions and extend the viability of their land. As a result, their farms become more fragile over time.

Image Credit: Unilever

Resilience comes from knowledge. With training in regenerative techniques, farmers can withstand risks, safeguard their livelihoods, and adapt to an uncertain future.

Unilever has pledged to support smallholder farmers across 13 key crops in seven countries. The company provides resources and training programmes that teach regenerative practices, such as crop rotation, cover cropping, reduced tillage, and transitioning away from synthetic fertilisers.

The goal is ambitious. By 2026, Unilever aims to help 250,000 smallholder farmers access livelihood programmes. These initiatives are designed not only to strengthen farms and communities but also to ensure that global supply chains remain secure in the face of mounting climate and economic pressures.

Unilever’s engagement with smallholders is not a new development. Since 2013, the company has supported small tea growers in India through the Trustea certification programme. Farmers enrolled in the scheme receive training in cultivating climate-resilient tea, meeting sustainability standards, and boosting yields. Each year, between 7,000 and 10,000 farmers are expected to benefit from this initiative.

Looking ahead, Unilever plans to expand support to more than 10,000 coconut sugar farmers in Indonesia by 2030. Farmers will receive education in water and soil conservation, pest management, and income diversification. In India, the company is promoting climate-resilient coffee farming, where intercropping with spices and fruits, as well as introducing water conservation methods, helps farmers adapt while improving productivity.

Through these initiatives, Unilever is not simply protecting its supply chains. It is fostering a generation of farmers better prepared for the challenges of climate change and economic volatility. Stronger farms mean stronger communities, and stronger communities create more resilient supply networks.

What began as an effort to secure raw ingredients has evolved into a broader commitment: empowering farmers with the knowledge and resources to thrive, while making global agriculture more sustainable for the decades ahead.