20 20
ANNUAL REPORT
Cover photo: Beatrice sells onions on behalf of Chiole FBO farmers at the market supported by the USDA Malawi Strengthening Inclusive Markets for Agriculture project.
Together, we’ve turned a year of hardships into one of resilience, compassion, growth, and, most importantly, we have continued to nourish global communities through agriculture. JOHN M. ELLENBERGER Executive Director
a message from our executive director
2020
will be remembered as a year filled with historic challenges. The global disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic
compromised the health and safety of all of our communities, thrust millions into a virtual world, generated new pains in job security at home and abroad, and tested food supply chains worldwide. Last year was also a stark reminder of our need to recommit ourselves to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our own communities and around the world to create a more just world for all. The challenges of the past year have forced us all to step back, then rise up with a renewed spirit fueled by humility, resilience, innovation, patience, and compassion. I’m proud of my Land O’Lakes Venture37 colleagues, partners, and friends for all that we’ve achieved and for working tirelessly in the face of personal and professional obstacles to accomplish our mission: helping global communities thrive through agriculture. Our efforts in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East have contributed to more competitive markets, more resilient systems, more nutrition-secure communities, and more inclusive societies that have unlocked potential in a year that seemed so committed to stopping forward progress.
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For example, in Mozambique, the USAID1 Feed the Future
• The USDA Food for Progress Bangladesh Trade Facilitation
Resilient Agricultural Markets Activities – Beira Corridor
Project3 expands regional and international agricultural
project boosted crop farmer productivity and resilience to
trade by addressing constraints at Bangladeshi ports,
climate change. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo,
simplifying export/import processes, and building the
a program funded by USAID through the Alliance for a
capacity of government agencies and labs to foster
Green Revolution in Africa established distance learning
increased trade.
modules to train farmers, extension agents, and suppliers
• Dairy Nourishes Africa, founded by the Global Dairy
during the pandemic on pest management. And, through the
Platform (GDP) and implemented with Bain & Company, is
USAID Feed the Future Rwanda Orora Wihaze program,2 we
a public-private partnership that leverages the collective
supported the sustainable increase of animal source foods
strength of the global dairy sector and local stakeholders to
and market systems to help women and children, in particu-
ensure food systems become more resilient, inclusive, and
lar, achieve more nutritious diets.
environmentally sustainable.
In response to market disruptions due to the pandemic, our
• Nourishing Prosperity Alliance4, Corteva Agriscience,
team conducted a survey with value-chain actors from coun-
Venture37, Forage Genetics International, and the
tries across three continents to help us navigate a way forward
International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) are
and promote resilience in the animal source foods supply chain.
strengthening dairy production in central Kenya —
Through these data-driven findings, we offered high-level
advancing the sustainable farming practices of women
recommendations that informed our work in improving the
smallholder dairy farmers.
availability of affordable, safe, and nutritious foods.
These are but a few examples of how we will continue to deliver integrated solutions that build and improve agriculture
LOOKING FORWARD ON OUR 40TH ANNIVERSARY
systems around the world.
In 2021, Venture37 celebrates its 40th anniversary. As we
This work — and all of our work — is fueled by dedicated
look ahead to the next 40 years, we do so with a commitment
people who inspire me every day. Thank you to our partners,
to build upon strong relationships with our current partners
friends, and supporters who have made this year — and the
while establishing new connections the best way we know
past 40 — truly remarkable. Together, we’ve turned a year
how — by collaboratively leveraging our expertise and the
of hardships into one of resilience, compassion, and growth,
100 years of experience of our affiliate Land O’Lakes, Inc.
and, most importantly, we have continued to nourish global
to drive inclusive, sustainable change. Our focus in dairy
communities through agriculture.
and cooperative development has also paved the way for us
With regards,
to expand our work in areas such as animal source foods, market systems, crops, and resilient agriculture. Combined, the integrated solutions our projects are delivering help to shape improved food and agricultural systems that foster healthy, resilient livelihoods for us all.
JOHN M. ELLENBERGER
New projects initiated in 2020 and implemented by
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, LAND O'LAKES VENTURE37
Venture37 reflect these expanded capabilities and innovative
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, LAND O'LAKES, INC.
approaches to deliver lasting, sustainable improvements for the smallholder farmers and agribusinesses supported by our work. Among these are:
1.
2.
The U.S. Agency for International Development administers the U.S. foreign assistance programs providing economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 80 countries worldwide. The contents of this report are the responsibility of Land O’Lakes Venture37 and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government. The goal of the Orora Wihaze activity is to sustainably increase the availability of, access to, and consumption of animal-source foods (ASF) through development of a profitable market.
3.
4.
This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service under Federal award No.FCC-388-2020/003-00. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Venture37’s participation in the Nourishing Prosperity Alliance is made possible by a grant from Corteva Agriscience.
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by the numbers
650+ —
Enterprises supported
530+
2020
1.4+ —
—
Days of volunteerism & support from Land O'Lakes, Inc. Employees
MILLION
people assisted
—
2,500+ Jobs created
The USAID Lebanon Investment in Quality project distributed vegetable seedlings to farmers in several villages in Mount 2020 AANNNNUUAALL RREEPPOORT RT 4 | 2020
Lebanon.
Since
1981
315+ PROJECTS
80 +
COUNTRIES
170+
Land O'Lakes, Inc. employees and member volunteers
years 1981-2021
of INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT 5 | L A N D O ' L A K E S V E N T U R E 37
That’s the percentage of our earth’s land where farmers grow their crops and raise their livestock to nourish the world.
WHO WE ARE The world’s population will be nearly 10 billion by 2050. This means we’ve got to work together — across continents, cultures, and markets — to make abundant, nutritious food available, so everyone can realize their full potential. And we need to do this in a way that sustains the health of our planet. Venture37 is uniquely positioned to do just that. That’s because we have the backing of Land O’Lakes, Inc., a $14 billion farmer-owned cooperative with diversified agribusinesses in dairy, livestock, and crops. Pair this with local insights from our nearly 40 years of agricultural development, and we’ve got what it takes to unlock the potential of agricultural business ventures around the world.
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Moses, a farmer in Lilongwe, demonstrates how locally made storage bins – introduced and promoted by the USDA MSIKA program as a post-harvest handling technique – help product quality and prolong shelf life of his onions.
L
and O’Lakes Venture37 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
Inc. is one of America’s largest farmer-owned
committed to helping communities around the
cooperatives, with $14 billion in 2020 sales,
world thrive through agriculture. We strengthen
ranking 219 on the Fortune 500. It supports
economies by improving local agriculture, help
Venture37 project implementation with 100 years
agribusinesses create jobs, and link farmers to
of expertise in dairy, animal nutrition, crop inputs,
markets. We deliver integrated solutions that help
and agricultural insights and technologies. This
build and improve food and agriculture systems by
gives our development projects a unique global
providing solutions for more competitive markets,
view of agriculture, food, and the power of well-
more resilient systems, more nutrition-secure
functioning market systems. Land O’Lakes, Inc.
communities, and more inclusive societies.
supports these efforts as part of its enterprise
Venture37’s long-standing affiliation with Land O’Lakes, Inc. sets it apart. Land O’Lakes,
Competitive Markets
Resilient Systems
purpose of Feeding Human Progress at home and around the world.
Nutrition-Secure Communities
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Inclusive Societies
Land O’Lakes, Inc. + Venture37
A COMMON PURPOSE
Sharing a common purpose of Feeding Human Progress means working together across cultures and continents.
I
n the United States, when people hear “Land O’Lakes,” many may think “the butter company.” The truth is, Land O'Lakes, Inc. is a lot more than butter. Did you know that Land O’Lakes is a 100-year old cooperative created by American farmers and agricultural cooperatives? Or that this member-owned agribusiness is a leader in dairy foods, global animal nutrition, and crop solutions? With industry-leading brands and operations, Land O’Lakes works in dairy marketing and agricultural inputs and services. Its unique farmer-to-fork view of agriculture — and its love of farmers near and far — is why Land O’Lakes is supportive of advancing agriculture globally. The work of Land O'Lakes Venture37 started in 1981. Today, we are an affiliated 501(c)(3) nonprofit, leveraging Land O’Lakes teams to collaborate on market-based solutions that drive locally-led agricultural transformation through data, innovation, technology and world-class expertise.
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2020 A N N U A L R E P O RT
Here are a few examples of how Land O'Lakes and
championing food safety regulations, driving innovation
Venture37 work together to feed human progress.
through research and development, optimizing supply chain networks, or offering farmers services to make informed
Catalyzing Agricultural Growth Through Research and Technology
decisions, we combine premier agribusiness know-how with local insights to create lasting impact.
The Centre for Agricultural Transformation (CAT)*
A Shared Approach
established a hub to catalyze Malawi’s agricultural growth in partnership with the University of Minnesota,
Land O’Lakes and Venture37 take a shared approach on key topics to feed human progress.
Stellenbosch University, and the Malawi University of Science and Technology. The CAT is forging integrated
Diversity and social inclusion. Venture37 knows that when
research-to-impact pathways that reduce poverty
people of all ages, genders, and ethnicities can equally take
gaps between men and women and foster successful
part in a society, it strengthens the whole. A commitment to
smallholder farmer households, while supporting
diversity and inclusion is vital to success for Venture37 and
diversification from tobacco to alternative value chains.
Land O’Lakes, and vital to the future of farming.
The CAT Campus Smart Farm features adaptations of
Rural vitality. No matter where operations are in the
WinField United’s Answer Plot® program, a premier
world, Land O’Lakes and Venture37 see first-hand how
research and demo plot activity powered by data insights.
rural connectivity — digital connectivity and connectivity to
The CAT also houses interrelated activities that benefit
inputs and services — is critical for sustainable, agricultural
Malawian farmers by piloting, testing, and scaling new
production to feed a growing population. The American
and improved technologies and business ventures that
Connection Project is advocating for meaningful policy
underpin agricultural transformation.
reform around digital inclusion and broadband investment.
Combating Threats to Food Security
have a long-standing commitment to feeding people and
Climate solutions. Land O’Lakes and Venture37 both
When it comes to crop ventures, we work with Land
supporting farmer livelihoods, while safeguarding natural
O’Lakes and local partners to understand the situation
resources. We work to create supportive systems to enable
on the ground and build sustainable solutions using
farmers to be part of the climate solution.
data, science, and the know-how of local agronomy. This
Animal source foods. Roughly one-third of the world’s
approach is applied to our work on combating fall army-
population does not get enough nutrition. Venture37 knows
worm in places like the Democratic Republic of Congo
that supporting livestock food systems and animal source
(DRC) through the Feed the Future DRC Fall Armyworm
foods — like dairy, eggs, and fish — can contribute to
Activity and Mozambique through the Feed the Future
better-fed communities and sustainable economic growth.
Resilient Agricultural Markets Activity. Villa Crop Protec-
It’s why we support the Global Dairy Platform’s work in
tion — a South African crop protection company, majority
building evidence on dairy’s role in diets and commitment to
owned by Land O'Lakes — has decades of experience in
responsible dairy production.
advising farmers on the responsible and effective use
Foreign aid. Venture37 works with organizations like USGLC
of pesticides to mitigate fall armyworm. Venture37 and
that advocate for a strong International Affairs budget. Land
Villa are developing distance learning modules on pest
O’Lakes and Venture37 know that global food security and
management and training farmers and model farmers on
economic prosperity are good for all — for international
best agricultural practices.
economies, for trade, and for a more secure world.
Connecting Expert Volunteers to Agribusinesses
* The Centre for Agricultural Transformation is funded with a grant from the Foundation for a Smoke-Free
Since 1987, we have sent more than 1,400 highly qualified U.S. volunteers — including 167 Land O’Lakes staff and cooperative members — on assignments in 27 countries through the Farmer-to-Farmer program. Whether
World, a U.S. nonprofit 501(c)(3) private foundation with a mission to end smoking in this generation. The Foundation accepts charitable gifts from PMI Global Services Inc. (PMI); under the Foundation’s Bylaws and Pledge Agreement with PMI, the Foundation is independent from PMI and the tobacco industry. The contents, selection, and presentation of facts, as well as any opinions expressed herein are the sole responsibility of the authors and under no circumstances shall be regarded as reflecting the positions of the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World, Inc.
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2020 successes
OUR WORK WITH IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS We work with government and non-government partners to fulfill our mission of helping global communities thrive through agriculture.
10 | 2020 A N N U A L R E P O RT
a new alliance
ADVANCING SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE FOR WOMEN SMALLHOLDER FARMERS Leveraging private sector engagement, the Nourishing Prosperity Alliance is advancing sustainable farming practices of more than 5,000 women smallholder dairy farmers in Kenya.
I
n 2020, Forage Genetics International, Venture37, Corteva
organizations are increasing the supply of nutritional dairy
Agriscience, and the International Livestock Research
products through cost-effective improvements to dairy cattle
Institute created the Nourishing Prosperity Alliance,
nutrition. The alliance also guides women smallholder
which improves dairy farmers’ competitiveness in central
farmers in methods that bolster the production, harvesting,
Kenya. The alliance helps advance the sustainable farming
and storage of nutrient-rich forages to provide year-round
practices of more than 5,000 women smallholder dairy
feed for dairy cattle, improve milk production, and reduce
farmers and ease the annual 2.2 billion-liter shortage
the production cost of dairy products. Learn more about the
of dairy products in the country. Through this catalytic
Nourishing Prosperity Alliance.
two-year activity, private sector, nonprofit, and research
A farmer supported by the Nourishing Prosperity Alliance stands with her cow. Photo credit: Corteva
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SOLUTIONS TO MARKET DISRUPTIONS DURING THE PANDEMIC Our survey helped make sense of the animal source food market disruption caused by COVID-19 to navigate a way forward through the pandemic.
P
rior to COVID-19, roughly a third of the world’s
Our 2020 animal source foods report presented a strategy
population was not getting a correct balance of
to understand COVID-19 market distortions and disruptions
nutrition. And because of COVID-19, the United Nations
in the competitiveness and resiliency of the animal source
reported in July, 2020 that an additional 130 million plus
foods supply chain.
people could become food insecure. In July 2020, Venture37
Access to affordable, safe, and nutritious animal source
conducted a pulse survey with value-chain actors from
foods — such as eggs, fish, meat, dairy products — play a
countries across three continents. The goal: to better
critical role to reduce stunting and adequately feed global
understand the COVID-19 distortions and disruptions and
communities, and help build resilience and create economic
navigate a path forward through the pandemic. The survey
stability. Development organizations, agribusinesses, and
included a variety of participants in the animal source
private sector partners have begun to adapt to COVID-19
foods market system in Rwanda, Mozambique, Bangladesh,
lessons which will affordably supply these nutrient dense
and Georgia, including farmers, processors, agro-input
foods. Our report turned to data and local insights to
retailers, and banks.
navigate a way forward. Read the full report here.
Manara Dairy, a dairy facility in the Bekaa supported by the USAID Lebanon Investment in Quality (LINQ) project, producing akkawi cheese.
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Chelita, a lead farmer in Mangochi, displays a MSIKA training poster, which explains grading and sorting fruits and vegetables before they are taken to market.
STRENGTHENING INCLUSIVE AGRICULTURAL MARKETS In Malawi, one USDA program forged new, inclusive opportunities for horticulture.
I
n Malawi, like in other agrarian economies around
agricultural techniques and technologies, with a focused
the globe, agriculture is a primary source of income
effort on inclusion of women and youth.
for most of the population. But poor infrastructure,
As one of the first donor programs in the horticulture
limited arable land, and reliance on traditional farming
sector in Malawi, MSIKA pioneered enterprise development
practices make generating more than a subsistence
and a structured trading system for horticultural products
income challenging. Venture37 believes that by enabling
in Malawi. Over the course of four and a half years, MSIKA
our local partners to build inclusive, resilient, and
laid the foundation for a burgeoning horticulture sector
competitive market systems, we can help communities
that is now attracting investment from international donors
thrive through agriculture. In line with these beliefs,
and Malawi businesses alike. In addition to the project’s
Venture37 implemented the USDA Malawi Strengthening
impressive achievements, these future investments are part
Inclusive Markets for Agriculture (MSIKA) project*, a Food
of MSIKA’s legacy, thanks to its demonstration of what is
for Progress initiative. The project focused on facilitating
possible in Malawi’s horticulture sector. Venture37’s 2021
increased incomes and improved livelihoods for actors up
MSIKA Impact Report captures our achievement through
and down the value chain in Malawi’s fruits and vegetable
2020 and shares lessons for similar agriculture and market
sector by increasing agricultural productivity and expanding
systems programs around the world.
trade. Its efforts ranged from improving linkages between buyers and sellers, to training farmers on the latest
* This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service under Federal award No. FCC-612-2016/006-00. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
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FROM RECOVERY TO RESILIENCY In the wake of disaster, we took lessons learned from Mozambique to help create more resilient food systems.
I
n Mozambique, we improved households’ resilience by promoting climate-smart agriculture and by
re-establishing the dairy sector. With two projects affected in Mozambique by Cyclone Idai in 2019 — the USDAfunded Mozambique Expansion or Rural Cattle and Dairy Opportunities (MERCADO)* and the USAID Feed the Future funded Resilient Agriculture Markets Activity - Beira Corridor (RAMA-BC) — we witnessed the damage and food insecurity in the aftermath of Cyclone Idai firsthand and how it devastated our staff and the communities and businesses they support. The cyclone created catastrophic damage to infrastructure and caused a humanitarian crisis with thousands of households affected. Following Cyclone Idai, the USAID/OFDA early stage recovery Mozambique Integrated Recovery and Resilience (MIRAR) project gave affected households short-term food security through seed distribution in the Manica and Sofala provinces of Mozambique. The MIRAR project reached over 15,000 households and increased food self-sufficiency to an estimated 7.8 months.
Lessons Learned: Key Aspects That Lead to Resiliency 1. We adequately resourced for the size and scale of the project. This required adaptive management and intentional strategic planning. 2. The design was adaptable to meet the true needs of the individuals and communities by complementing seed distribution with technical knowledge and coordinating with private sector and other local entities. This also meant managing recovery without disruption by working through local market actors. 3. MIRAR was able to leverage the simultaneous presence of two other Venture37 programs — the RAMA-BC and MERCADO programs — to enhance private sector linkages and sustain the impact of the project, including infrastructure, local knowledge, seed partner relationships and sound technical guidance. This allowed participants to more easily adapt and be ready for future shocks. See the full MIRAR Resiliency Report here to learn how the project leveraged partnerships to support a more sustainable and resilient agricultural system in Mozambique. * This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service under Federal award No. FCC-656-2016/007-00. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
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Nelia works on her farm in Manica province, Mozambique.
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s t h g i l h g i H
2020 FINANCIAL
CONTRACTS + GRANTS
OTHER GRANTS + NON-PROJECT
IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS
$19.7 million
$6.6 million
$3.6 million
support + revenue
PROGRAM SERVICES
MANAGEMENT +GENERAL
$23.4 million
$5.7 million
expenses
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS
NET ASSETS, BEGINNING OF YEAR
NET ASSETS, END OF YEAR
$0.9 million
$1.2 million
$2.1 million
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Revenue 7% by Region
2%
76%
REVENUE BY REGION
15%
Sub-Saharan Africa Middle East Asia Europe
Sub-Saharan Africa
22% { $5.6 million }
Middle East
Asia
Europe
78% { $19.8 million }
FUNDING SOURCES U.S. Government Non-U.S. Government
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