#United States #Little Rock #Heifer International #GRFC #CVMC

Heifer International Marks New Achievements in Agriculture

Heifer International has recently celebrated the successful conclusion of its long-term impact investments with Grass Roots Farmers' Cooperative (GRFC) and Cypress Valley Meat Company (CVMC). These organizations are pioneers in creating regenerative meat supply chains, empowering small-scale livestock farmers throughout various communities.

With Heifer's support, both GRFC and CVMC have made tremendous progress in enhancing the agricultural infrastructure, presenting new opportunities for farmers. Notably, CVMC has expanded its facilities from three to six, now catering to nearly 3,000 farmers across twelve states. Meanwhile, GRFC has transitioned to an innovative direct-to-consumer e-commerce model, effectively linking farmers with consumers on a national scale. Together, these initiatives have led to job creation and improved processing access, ultimately paving the way for farmers to reach broader markets.

Oscar Castañeda, Senior Vice President of Heifer Americas, remarked, "These investments underscore our commitment to building resilient food systems where farmers are central to the equation. By bolstering local processing capacity and market access, we're ensuring that smallholder farmers can secure fair incomes while contributing to a sustainable and equitable food landscape."

Cody Hopkins, CEO and Founder of GRFC, echoed this sentiment: "Thanks to Heifer International's investments, we have successfully broadened processing access and established direct connections between farmers and consumers nationwide, while reinforcing rural jobs. Together with Cypress Valley Meat Company, we are closing the long-standing infrastructure gap that has plagued small farmers for generations, all while promoting regenerative agriculture and fair compensation for farmers."

Brandon Dunn, CEO at Cypress Valley Meat Company, noted the crucial role of partnerships like the one with Heifer in facilitating growth and modernization of facilities. He added, "With Heifer's support, we're advancing fair processing opportunities for small-scale producers and generating stable jobs within rural communities."

As Heifer International concludes these pivotal investments, it is also transitioning towards a more facilitative and training-focused model. Instead of directly funding enterprises, Heifer aims to empower farmers and regenerative organizations by providing hands-on training, digital resources, peer learning opportunities, and market connection tools. This marks a significant shift towards a farmer-led and community-rooted approach, where local communities drive initiatives, while Heifer acts as a facilitator, educator, and connector.

The Heifer Ranch Center for Regenerative Agriculture located in Perryville, Arkansas, will play an essential role moving forward, focusing on:

• - Enhancing ecosystem health and market access through innovative land monitoring tools and conservation certifications.
• - Offering knowledge and skill-building opportunities through training programs and digital resources to foster global peer learning.
• - Supporting farmer-led advocacy and networking endeavors aimed at shaping fair and sustainable food systems.

As Heifer International embarks on this new chapter, it remains steadfast in its mission of empowering farmers, bolstering rural communities, and regenerating land for future generations. Since its inception in 1944, Heifer has collaborated with over 52 million individuals globally to eradicate hunger and poverty sustainably while nurturing care for the planet. Currently, Heifer operates in 19 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Americas—including North America—supporting farmers and food producers in their efforts to enhance local economies and cultivate livelihoods that provide living incomes.

To learn more about Heifer International’s transformative initiatives, visit Heifer's official website.