Land O'Lakes Venture37

Since 1981, our nonprofit has been delivering market insights and technical expertise to agricultural system development projects around the world. But where does the name Land O'Lakes Venture37 come from?

This fall, our team launched the USDA Food for Progress Cambodia HortSafe project, which will expand trade for Cambodian horticultural products. HortSafe is increasing food safety compliance by developing science and risk-based technical regulations and standards, finalizing #Cambodia’s national #FoodSafety Policy, and supporting the implementation of risk-based inspections. Learn more about the project here: http://spr.ly/6048QCnq6

How did the AgResults: Innovation in Research and Delivery Tanzania Dairy Productivity Challenge Project, managed by Land O'Lakes Venture37, use a #PayforResults prize competition to spark transformative changes in the ways that the private sector operated, invested, and marketed to smallholder farmers across the country in just four years? https://lnkd.in/gdXVx5dF

Here's a glimpse at the work we're doing in #Egypt to develop inspection systems that are leading to safer food for consumers, and expanded markets for producers - in this case for date processors! Nice work from our team members on the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) #TAIB Team!

Running a business as a couple can be tough, especially when harmful gender dynamics are brought into the fold. To help couples navigate these challenges, a Feed the Future activity in #Rwanda hosted tailored sessions for couple-owned businesses to foster dialogue and redefine traditional #GenderNorms, starting in their own homes. Learn more in this Marketlinks blog by Antoine Niyitegeka, Gender and Social Inclusion Advisor for the Feed the Future Orora Wihaze Activity w/ implementing partner Catholic Relief Services. http://spr.ly/6041QRsH7

Last week, the Feed the Future #Rwanda Orora Wihaze Activity celebrated its final milestone after a five-year effort to transform livestock market systems in Rwanda to achieve stronger, sustainable #FoodSystems for producers and consumers alike. We're grateful for all of our partners, including from USAID, the Government of Rwanda, #PrivateSector partners, and implementing partners Catholic Relief Services, MarketShare Associates, and JSI. Learn more about the activity here: http://spr.ly/6049QRorU

Poultry meat and eggs are not only nutritious, they also require little land and water to produce, making them a sustainable animal-sourced food option.... one of the many reasons we promote sustainable poultry value chains! 🐔 Recently, Venture37 reps from two of our #poultry programs in #EastAfrica participated on a two-day event on poultry in #DarEsSalaam. Hosted by the Food Action Alliance, Tanzania Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, & AGRA, the forum convened experts to brainstorm productive, inclusive, and competitive solutions for the region's poultry sector. Thank you to Dr. Johns Nyirongo, Neema Mrema, Fidel O'Donovan, Edgar Begasha, and Nchele Kuleile for representing our team!

In Eastern Europe and Central Asia, many rural farmers struggle to find care for their #livestock. Without proper care and services, some livestock become less productive, while others become sick and may even die. For farmers who depend on livestock to earn a living, this can be crippling. Lasha Avaliani, Deputy Chief of Party of the USDA Safety and Quality Investment in Livestock (SQIL) Activity joined experts from across the region at a Mendel University in Brno FAO workshop to tackle these issues. He shared how his team has leveraged grants to partner with input suppliers, enhancing advisory services for livestock farmers in the #RepublicOfGeorgia. Learn more about the workshop=: http://spr.ly/6049sSB3B

In the #DRC, many producers struggle to make a profit due to post-harvest lost. A Feed the Future program leveraged Land O'Lakes, Inc.'s "Gigs" rotation to train maize producers up to reduce #FoodLoss in their local warehouses. Learn more about Phillip Schmitt's recommendations for producers, including product rotation, pest management practices, and inbound inspection processes: http://spr.ly/6049saOcP

Last week, the Global Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning department at Land O'Lakes Venture37 had our annual retreat. It was a wonderful time of reflection, re-focus and revitalization. 🤔 We conducted Pause and Reflects on our core work of supporting projects to implement best-in-class #MEL and developing innovative and impactful proposals. 📈 We discussed emerging topics in MEL where we want to flex our muscles, including measurement of agricultural (especially #dairy) #GHG emissions, #MarketSystems, and #SPS. 💡 We brainstormed key initiatives we want to tackle for 2025 and beyond, including expanding our use of #PowerBI, #ArcGIS, and #GenAI. Can't wait to continue our great work, Meredith Saggers and Ashley Hartz! (📷 credit: Tessa Martin)