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First Milk and Nestlé Waters & Premium Beverages UK have partnered on a four-year project to support regenerative dairy farming practices in Pembrokeshire, Wales.

The initiative will involve up to 30 dairy farmers and aims to reduce soil compaction and improve water infiltration, with the goal of capturing an additional 250 million litres of groundwater annually.

The project will focus on the use of regenerative farming practices such as rotational grazing of dairy herds, increasing grassland diversity and encouraging deeper rooting to improve soil health. These measures are expected to enhance water infiltration, support biodiversity and improve the quality of local water sources, including the Eastern and Western Cleddau rivers.

Farmers will receive tailored advice through workshops, on-farm visits and individual support to address soil management challenges. The initiative also aims to reduce water runoff and improve water quality, with interventions selected based on the unique conditions of each farm.

Matthew Faulkner, factory manager of the Nestlé Waters & Premium Beverages site in Princes Gate, said: “We’re excited to be working with First Milk farmers to improve groundwater quality and quantity in Pembrokeshire where our Princes Gate site operates. We have a responsibility to support the local community, create a positive water impact and to be a good neighbour."

"This initiative is the first of its kind for the Nestlé business where we are working with farmers who are not directly in our supply chain but who we have a shared interest with to improve the local environment. I’m looking forward to seeing the benefits to the area over the coming years.”

Mark Brooking, First Milk's chief impact officer, added: “First Milk is a co-operative committed to regenerative farming. The ability of land to store water to help prevent flooding, manage drought and protect water quality is vital. This innovative partnership with Nestlé Waters & Premium Beverages UK further enables our members to farm in a way that benefits the land, nature and local communities.”