Forage Genetics International and Land O’Lakes Venture37 join with Corteva Agriscience to create alliance in Kenya
The alliance will aid the livelihoods of women smallholder farmers by providing education and resources for sustainable agriculture. Photo courtesy of Forage Genetics International
Forage Genetics International (FGI) recently joined with Land O’Lakes Venture37, Corteva Agriscience, Bidco Land O’Lakes, and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in the Nourishing Prosperity Alliance that aims to strengthen dairy production in central Kenya. The project will help advance the sustainable farming practices of more than 5,000 women smallholder dairy farmers and ease the annual 2.2 billion-liter shortage1 of dairy products in the country.
This group of private sector, non-profit, and research organisations will engage in a two-year programme designed to increase the supply of nutritional dairy products available to local communities and guide women smallholder farmers in methods that bolster nutrient-rich forages (corn silage and hay) production – providing reliable feed for dairy cattle, improving milk production and reducing the production cost of those dairy products.
FGI’s participation in the alliance highlights its leadership in the forage industry and is an example of the business’ recent renewed investment into new technologies, dairies and global brand building, while remaining committed to being an R&D and innovation leader.
“We’re excited to play a part in advancing the dairy industry in Kenya and helping make an impact on the lives of these women who are leading this effort while feeding their neighbors,” said Pete Theisen, general manager, FGI. “This project is directly in line with FGI’s commitment to advancing the forage industry and supporting dairy farmers.”
In addition to FGI’s forage leadership, the alliance combines Corteva’s leadership in agricultural inputs and support of smallholder farmers with ILRI’s locally-based, world-renowned forage R&D capabilities and livestock management practices. Land O’Lakes Venture37 will contribute its extensive experience adapting advanced technologies and techniques to the smallholder farmer level and facilitating last-mile delivery of key inputs. Bidco Land O’Lakes, a Kenya-based feed manufacturer, works closely with these collaborators to offer compound feed that complements effective forages.
“This alliance, through its advancement of animal nutrition in Kenya’s dairy sector, is simultaneously advancing human nutrition and human success – a shining example of Land O’Lakes’ guiding purpose: feeding human progress,” said John Ellenberger, executive director of Land O’Lakes Venture37. “Through its combination of private sector investment, local expertise, applied data and technologies, and last mile delivery, this alliance is helping to make markets work more effectively for lower-resource populations. Strategic alliances like these are a foundational element of our current work and future ambitions.”
1Kenya Dairy Board – www.kdb.go.ke
