Surrey's NatureMetrics teams up with Unilever to support regenerative farming projects

Guildford-based nature intelligence company NatureMetrics has teamed up with the giant Unilever to deploy the former's world-leading environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling technology in four locations across the latter's supply chain.

Unilever, a fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company, uses around 4 million hectares of land to grow materials for its products, which are used by millions around the globe every day.

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NatureMetrics technology will measure soil and insect biodiversity and work has already begun on baseline data in Argentina, Canada, the UK and Europe.

The aim is to provide insight to show the positive impact of regenerative farming practices in Unilever’s supply chain.

"The beauty of the data we capture using our technology is that it’s a common language multiple stakeholders across a supply chain can use," said Tom Ludwig, head of onshore industries at NatureMetrics.

"It will not only support Unilever’s regenerative agriculture programme at a high level, but also empower its suppliers, implementation partners and farmers with critical information at a farm level.

"Only by bringing every stakeholder along on the journey can meaningful impact be delivered, and we’re proud to be at the heart of that with this partnership.”

Unilever’s regenerative agriculture programme was launched with suppliers in 2022.

Since then, Unilever has set up several projects designed to implement regenerative agriculture practices and protect and conserve natural ecosystems.