New York, United States - Small-scale farmers in the global south hold the key to over 50% of the United Nations’ goal for net greenhouse gas reductions. That was the message from Florence Reed of Sustainable Harvest International (SHI) at the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) annual meeting in late September. During the event, Reed presented progress on their newly launched Honduras TREE program, a CGI 2023 Commitment to Action for Climate Resilience, which aims to empower 1,250 small-scale farmers to regenerate over 12,800 acres of degraded land. During the spotlight, an exclusive, never-before-seen clip from an upcoming film, “Roots of Renewal” was presented featuring one of the SHI farmers sequestering two tons of carbon per acre in Honduras.
SHI’s Founder + Director of Strategic Growth Florence Reed speaks at one of Clinton Global Initiative’s Spotlight Sessions
“Roots of Renewal is a powerful and inspiring film that highlights the profound impact of sustainable family farmers in Central America. Since 1997, SHI has empowered farmers to make a difference in their communities through innovative farming methods. Through this film, we aim to share their stories with the world and invite passionate individuals and organizations to partner with us creating the just and sustainable world we all want.. Together, we can help millions of farmers feed their communities and stabilize our climate.”
Photo of SHI-Panama graduated farmer, Maria Rodríguez, from the film, “Roots of Renewal”
The Spotlight Session featured leaders addressing the negative impacts of climate change, food insecurity, and biodiversity loss through holistic land management. Speakers emphasized the ripple effects of sustainable agriculture practices and community-led restoration initiatives, in terms of food security, economic stability, and environmental protection. Other organizations featured included Patagonia Provisions, Amazon Frontlines, and the Asian Farmers’ Association for Sustainable Rural Development (AFA).
The conference garnered media attention and fostered cross-sector partnerships. President Joseph Biden attended and expressed his enthusiasm for effective climate solutions. Celebrities, including actor Benedict Cumberbatch, also participated, and Cumberbatch offered his congratulations for SHI’s work. Attendees shared their excitement about the projects underway, while recognizing that their results depend on receiving adequate support.
About Sustainable Harvest International
Since 1997, Sustainable Harvest International (SHI) has been developing a training program that has helped 5,000 small scale farms transition to regenerative practices that increase productivity and sequester carbon in soils and perennial crops such as the 4 million trees planted by SHI farmers. At SHI, we’re proud that 91% of the farmers we work with continue using the practices they learn during our program many years after graduating, even from one generation to the next. This intergenerational impact reflects the time and care we invest in training farmers to become environmental leaders in their communities.
