Yili Group Showcases China's Dairy Value Chain Model at FAO Conference

The Yili Group made a significant impact at the first global conference organized by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) focusing on "One Health in Agrifood Systems." The conference aimed to harmonize and optimize the health of humans, animals, and ecosystems in a sustainable manner. Yili's presentation introduced a unique model for symbiosis throughout the entire dairy value chain in China. Xu Ke, Vice President of Yili, presented three case studies during the "RENOFARM in Action" session, illustrating how healthy ecosystems, precision agriculture, and collaborative growth can support each other within the dairy sector.

Transforming Deserts into Oases

In Ar Horqin Banner of Inner Mongolia, China, the issue of soil degradation has impacted local herders for years. At the conference, Xu explained how Yili developed an integration approach of grazing and livestock farming tailored to local conditions and natural processes. The cultivation of protein-rich, deep-rooted alfalfa helped stabilize the soil and facilitated the restoration of approximately 55,000 mu (about 3,667 hectares) of degraded pastureland. The revitalized landscape is now promoting ecosystem recovery while providing high-quality feed. This creates a cycle where grass regenerates the land, the land nourishes cattle, and the dairy operations contribute positively to the ecosystem.

Enhancing Cow Welfare for Better Dairy Farming

Improving animal welfare through scientifically backed management remains a priority in dairy farming. The "Chilechuan Ecological Smart Farm" team at Yili has advanced its technologies to ensure the health and wellbeing of cows throughout their lifecycle. Innovations such as automated temperature control, IoT-based condition monitoring, and precision nutrition tailored to different growth phases help guarantee high standards of raw milk quality. Yili's commitment to animal welfare and precision agriculture practices has earned multiple accolades, including the FAO’s "Contribution Award for Social Responsibility". In 2026, the FAO designated the "Chilechuan Ecological Smart Farm" as a "RENOFARM Farm 5Gs Pilot Champion."

Elevating Income for Farmers Through Innovation

Farmers in several provinces of China have historically faced challenges such as low milk yields, limited technical capacity, and inadequate profits. In 2014, Yili, in collaboration with the FAO, established "Dairy Farmer Field Schools" to provide regular, hands-on training directly at farms. Yili’s experts assist farmers in identifying health risks in cows, optimizing feed rations, and developing tailored plans for upgrading their operations with financial support and technical assistance. Over more than a decade, Yili has empowered 5.6 million farmers in Inner Mongolia, significantly boosting their incomes while increasing the scale of dairy farming more than tenfold, alongside a doubling of daily milk production.

"Prosperity is not a solo piece, but a symphony," stated Pan Gang, Chairman of the Yili Group. With the "One Health" concept in mind, Yili is set to deepen its partnerships with the FAO and industry colleagues globally, aiming to promote high-quality development in the global dairy sector and agrifood systems, thereby contributing to the health of humans, animals, and ecosystems.