Unilever backs smallholder farmers to secure supply chain

Unilever is expanding its support for smallholder farmers who grow key ingredients for its products, aiming to improve their incomes while ensuring the long-term sustainability of its supply chain. The company plans to help 250,000 farmers in its network access livelihood programmes by 2026, spanning 13 crops in seven countries.

Smallholders produce up to a third of the world’s food, including palm oil, tea, and cocoa used by Unilever. Despite their crucial role, many face barriers such as limited access to finance, training, and new markets. Unilever’s initiatives focus on regenerative agriculture and income diversification to boost resilience and economic opportunities.

Collaboration supports farmer-focused solutions

Local partners play a central role in designing and delivering programmes, bringing expertise in crop management, community development, youth engagement, and gender equality. This collaborative approach enables tailored solutions, from access to credit and certification schemes to technical training.

In India, Unilever supports small tea growers through the Trustea certification programme, which promotes climate-resilient farming and improved yields. Certification provides access to new markets and the potential for increased income, with 7,000 to 10,000 farmers targeted for certification each year

Initiatives span crops and continent

In Indonesia, the company works with coconut sugar farmers in West Java and Lampung to introduce high-yield dwarf coconut varieties, provide field school training, and develop new market opportunities. The project aims to benefit more than 10,000 farmers by 2030

In Karnataka and Kerala, coffee farmers are receiving training in regenerative agriculture, intercropping, and water conservation to improve climate resilience. The programme also promotes women’s leadership in agriculture, with female field facilitators delivering hands-on training. Around 50,000 coffee farmers are expected to be supported by 2027.

Long-term impact through strategic partnerships

Partnerships extend beyond agriculture into social and environmental progress. In Madagascar, the Vanilla for Change initiative with Symrise, Save the Children, and local organisations combines market access and income diversification with education and healthcare support for farming communities.

By aligning commercial needs with community development, Unilever aims to strengthen livelihoods, safeguard resources, and create a more resilient supply chain. The company’s multi-country, multi-crop approach reflects a strategy of shared growth between business and farmers.

www.unilever.com

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