Yili Group Unveils Integrated Dairy Value Chain Symbiosis Model at FAO Global Conference

On September 28, 2026, during the inaugural World Conference on One Health organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Yili Group showcased a remarkable symbiosis model for the entire dairy value chain that has been developed in China. This model emphasizes the importance of sustainable systems that balance the health of humans, animals, and ecosystems in a cohesive manner.

One Health: A Sustainable Approach

The One Health approach aims to optimize health outcomes across various spectrums, promoting the interconnected wellbeing of people, animals, and the environment. In this context, RENOFARM was introduced as a ten-year global FAO initiative aimed at enhancing the sustainability of food systems, launched in 2024. During the “RENOFARM in Action” session at the conference, Yili Group’s Vice President, Xu Ke, presented three compelling case studies illustrating how maintaining healthy ecosystems, employing precision agriculture, and fostering mutual growth can synergistically strengthen value chains in the dairy sector.

Transforming Deserts into Oases through Eco-Restoration

One of the highlights of Yili's presentation was the transformation of degraded lands in the Horqin Banner of Inner Mongolia. Pastoral communities have long struggled with land degradation, but Yili’s innovative strategies in integrating grasslands and livestock have made significant progress. By sowing deep-rooted alfalfa—rich in protein—Yili has successfully stabilized soils, resulting in the restoration of approximately 55,000 mu (nearly 3,667 hectares) of degraded pastures. This revitalized landscape not only promotes ecosystem recovery but also produces high-quality forage, creating a sustainable cycle where grass regenerates the land, the land nurtures livestock, and dairy production reciprocates to benefit the ecosystem.

Enhancing Cow Welfare for Superior Dairy Production

In dairy production, ensuring animal welfare through scientifically backed management practices remains a key priority. At Yili’s Intelligent Eco-Farm in Chilechuan, advancements in breeding technologies have been implemented to safeguard cow health throughout their lifecycle. Features such as automated temperature controls, IoT health monitoring, and precision nutrition tailored to individual growth stages have been adopted to ensure the quality of raw milk. Due to its notable contributions to animal welfare and precision agriculture, Yili has been repeatedly recognized with the FAO Award for Social Responsibility. Notably, the FAO designated the Chilechuan Eco-Farm as a “RENOFARM 5Gs Pilot Champion” in 2026.

Increasing Farmers' Revenues and Shared Benefits

For dairy farmers across various provinces in China, challenges like low milk production and limited technical skills are not uncommon. In a collaborative effort that began in 2014, Yili and the FAO initiated Dairy Producer Field Schools, which provide regular, hands-on training directly on farms. Yili specialists assist farmers in identifying risks to livestock health, optimizing feed rations, and developing tailored improvement plans, all supported by financing and technical aid. Over the past decade, Yili has propelled the incomes of approximately 5.6 million pastoralists in Inner Mongolia, resulting in over a tenfold increase in dairy farming scale and a doubling of daily milk production.

A Vision for Prosperity

Pan Gang, President of Yili Group, aptly remarked, “Prosperity is not a solo act, but a symphony.” Under the One Health concept, Yili is committed to deepening its collaboration with the FAO and global industry partners, promoting high-quality development across the dairy sector and agro-food systems. This approach contributes significantly to the overall health of individuals, animals, and ecosystems, embodying a comprehensive vision for a brighter and sustainable future.