Vermont Business Magazine Vermont-based NGO Food 4 Farmers has been named a nonprofit partner of 1% for the Planet, a global alliance of more than 1,200 member companies in 40 countries. Bluestone Life, a 1% for the Planet member, sponsored Food 4 Farmers. 1% is a collaborative platform to address environmental issues, with companies like Bluestone committing 1% of their revenues to environmental causes.
“We advocated for Food 4 Farmers because their focus on food securitythrough education and sustainable agriculture supports communities and the planet,” said Nathan Irons, CEO of Bluestone Life. “Regenerative land-use practices and enhancing soil health sequesters carbon and improves productivity. Education lays the foundation for vibrant lives and curbs population growth. Food 4 Farmers is making a positive impact on multiple fronts.”
Food 4 Farmers’ new status means business members of 1% for the Planet can now count donations toward their 1% commitment. Food 4 Farmers’ food security and income diversification programs for coffee-farming families align strongly with 1% for the Planet’s mission, by taking a climate-friendly approach to creating more sustainable livelihoods across Latin America.
Climate change is one of the greatest challenges small-scale farmers face. Widespread food insecurity and income loss has become the norm. Unpredictable weather patterns, reduced soil fertility, and an increase in pests and diseases is resulting in uncertain harvests. Low coffee prices and rising food costs have kept millions of families impoverished around the world.
Food 4 Farmers’ approach contributes to a healthier planet through
● Sustainable soil and water management for long-term soil fertility and watershed health;
● Organic pest management practices that reduce use of agrochemicals;
● Building biodiversity on and around farms to protect vulnerable ecosystems and primary forest;
● Organic and traditional food crop production and seed saving;
● Using native plantings to support pollinators, people, and planet;
● Creating local farmers markets to reduce dependency on global food conglomerates and long-distance transport of food to rural communities.