Yili Group's Whole-Value-Chain Dairy Model Shines at FAO Conference

On September 27, 2026, Yili Group took center stage at the inaugural Global Conference for Actions on One Health in Agrifood Systems, hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Rome. The event underscores the importance of a holistic approach to health across the food production spectrum, integrating the well-being of people, animals, and ecosystems. Through its innovative model based in China, Yili presented a compelling case for a symbiotic relationship within the dairy industry.

The Significance of the One Health Approach

The One Health initiative seeks to promote sustainable practices that create a balance among human health, animal welfare, and environmental conservation. One prominent aspect discussed during the conference was RENOFARM, a ten-year global initiative launched by FAO in 2024 aimed at improving sustainable agrifood systems.

Yili Group’s Vice President, XU Ke, led the session titled "RENOFARM in Action," where he shared three impactful stories emphasizing how a healthy ecosystem, precision farming, and shared growth can be interlinked in the dairy value chain.

1. Transforming Arid Lands into Lush Green Pastures

The first story revolved around Yili's efforts in Ar Horqin Banner, located in Inner Mongolia, where local herders faced severe land degradation issues. Leveraging a grass-livestock integration model tailored to regional conditions, Yili has successfully restored approximately 55,000 mu (around 3,667 hectares) of degraded grassland by planting deep-rooted, nutrient-rich alfalfa. This initiative not only stabilized the soil but also provided high-quality forage for livestock, ultimately fostering a cycle of restoration wherein healthy grasslands support robust dairy farming, which in return nurtures the ecosystem.

2. Advancements in Dairy Cow Welfare

Yili's commitment to advancing animal welfare through science-based management reflects a key priority in the dairy industry. With its Chilechuan Ecological Smart Farm, Yili has rolled out technologies that focus on the comprehensive health and welfare of cows. Innovations such as automated temperature regulation, Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled health monitoring, and precise nutrition tailored to the distinct growth stages of the cattle have enhanced the quality of raw milk produced. Notably, Yili has been recognized multiple times with FAO’s Contribution Award for Social Responsibility for its initiatives in animal welfare and precision farming. In 2026, the Chilechuan farm was designated a RENOFARM Farm 5Gs Pilot Champion.

3. Empowering Herders Through Education

The final narrative highlighted Yili's initiatives aimed at boosting the incomes of herders across various Chinese provinces who historically grappled with low milk production, insufficient technical skills, and poor profitability. In collaboration with FAO, Yili has established Dairy Farmer Field Schools, which offer regular, hands-on training sessions directly on farms. Yili’s specialists help herders identify health risks among their cows, optimize feed rations, and create tailored plans for farm improvements, all supported by financial and technical assistance. Over the past decade, these efforts have empowered over 5.6 million herders in Inner Mongolia, leading to a more than tenfold increase in dairy farming scale and a doubling of daily milk output.

Vision for a Collaborative Future

Pan Gang, the chairman of Yili Group, summed up the ethos of the conference succinctly: "Prosperity is not a solo, but a symphony." Guided by One Health, Yili Group aims to enhance partnerships with FAO and other global industry players, propelling high-quality development in the dairy sector and agrifood systems holistic approach to health—benefiting humans, animals, and ecosystems alike. The initiatives presented by Yili Group symbolize a transformative vision that can redefine the future of sustainable agriculture worldwide, fostering a harmonious relationship between food production and ecological conservation.

Yili Group’s commitment to innovation within the dairy industry represents a forward-looking approach essential in addressing the challenges of today’s agrifood systems, making a positive impact on the global community while promoting sustainable practices.