Nestle Nigeria Empowers Young Farmers, Sources 100% Grains Locally

News in brief:- ***Nestle Nigeria is demonstrating its commitment to local agriculture by sourcing 100% of its grains locally and investing in young agripreneurs through the Golden Morn Agripreneur Series.

• It awarded ₦500,000 seed funding to 25 agricultural entrepreneurs, while emphasising the importance of farmer development and contributing to a more sustainable food system.*** Food and beverage giant Nestle Nigeria is demonstrating its commitment to local agriculture by sourcing 100% of the grains used in its products locally. It is also investing in young agripreneurs through its Golden Morn Agripreneur Series. The company awarded seed funding of ₦500,000 each to 25 agricultural entrepreneurs during a ceremony marking the fifth cycle of the program, news coverage says. Ifeanyichukwu Orabuche, Category and Marketing Manager of Golden Morn, emphasised the importance of farmer development for better agricultural practice. She explained that Nestle decided to fund the agripreneurs because they are employers of labour. Nestle Nigeria's local sourcing of grains supports Nigerian farmers and contributes to a more sustainable food system. Orabuche highlighted the interconnectedness of the ecosystem, remarking that the company exists in an ecosystem with afrmers. She also remarked that she was a firm believer in Nigeria's commonwealth and that the only way Nigerians would move forward is through the country's collective commonwealth across sectors like agriculture, healthcare, or education. Furthermore, the Golden Morn executive expressed concern about the ageing agricultural workforce, saying that the average Nigerian farmer is between 60 and 65 years old. She added that the funding initiative is one way Nestle is nurturing the next generation of agricultural leaders to address this challenge. Orabuche added that agriculture is a key driver of the Nigerian economy and one of the most viable sectors in the country. She claimed that by supporting young farmers and promoting local sourcing, Nestle Nigeria is playing a significant role in strengthening the country's agricultural sector and ensuring food security for the future.