Swiss food giant Nestlé has opened a new experimental farm in Coted’Ivoire to focus on plant science and research into nutrition, sustainable agriculture and rural development.
The farm is located at Zambakro, 18km away from Yamoussoukro and is expected to create 20 jobs by 2014. It would develop better varieties of key raw materials for Nestlé such as cocoa and coffee as well as traditional African cereals and root crops.
In addition, it will provide training in the latest agricultural techniques to Ivorian farmers, co-operatives and other partners.
Nestlé R&D head Johannes Baensch said, "Our research will help improve the nutritional value and yield of our raw materials, to address nutritional needs around the world.
"Our investment in this farm is a significant step in our journey to sustainable agriculture, rural development and high quality nutrition for Africa and beyond."
The farm features a mini propagation laboratory and demonstration plots for practical training. It will work closely with Nestlé's research center in the French city of Tours, with an aim to provide an estimated 27 million coffee plants and 12 million cocoa plants by 2020.
Image: The farm will develop better varieties of key raw materials for Nestlé namely cocoa and coffee. Photo courtesy of Nestlé.
