b'horizonsDear Determined Humanitarians,Here in the United States, we haveMaria Luisa Vasquez Gabriel, whoan international spice distributor, much to be grateful for. We haveleads a womens group in Altawho is investing in the project made significant progress withVerapaz, Guatemala, that is makingand buying cardamom and vaccine delivery, and many of usa big difference in their community.allspice from Heifer farmers.are enjoying long-anticipatedLeaders like Vasquez and her teamIn the current context, our work social events and gatherings withare an essential part of the RISEwith small-scale producers in the loved ones. For those of us whoUP initiative that created an earlyUnited States is more important are vaccinated, we might beginwarning system for disaster-pronethan ever before, and weve found to be hopeful about the future.communities and fostered strongpartners who share our goals and But across our globalrelationships with local officialsvision for a sustainable future. I am community, the COVID-19long before Hurricanes Eta andpleased to share a transcript of the pandemic remains a significantIota devastated Central America infireside-style chat I had with Tom threat. In many countries whereNovember 2020. Vasquez, her crewColicchio, famed restauranteur we work, the rate of infectionand the wider RISE UP communityand television personality whos and number of people whosaved lives and livelihoods duringbeen advocating for healthy food have succumbed to the virusthe storms and the immediateand food systems in the U.S. Tom have increased dramatically.aftermath, and they continue toand I penned an op-ed for Time In the face of this long andserve their community today.about the importance of local, bitter struggle, we are even moreBuilding partnerships is ansmall-scale food producers who committed to our mission toimportant part of our work. In thiscontribute to a decentralized food end hunger and poverty. Weissue, were excited to share our newsystema system thats better have embraced the challengesapproach to supporting farmersfor people and the environment. that confront us, adapted to newand farmer-owned cooperatives,Finally, I would like to take conditions and continued workingstrengthening production anda moment to reflect on the hard in partnership with the worldsbusiness practices, and connectingimportant work that Heifer is most vulnerable people to makefarmers to new markets.doing at home and abroad to a real and lasting impact in theirOur Guatemala Green Businessimprove our connection to the lives. And we are reminded everyBelt Program aims to close thesoil, build resilience in agriculture day of the importance of this work. living income gap for 108,650and protect forest ecosystems. With this in mind, we arefarmers, women and entrepreneurs.Weve always been dedicated determined to bring you moreIts a lofty goal, but weve builtstewards of the Earth, but in these inspiring stories of hope, couragestrong partnerships throughoutunprecedented times, we have and perseverance through thisthis important commodity valuerenewed our commitment to magazine. Earlier this year, wechain, and were looking forward topreserve, protect and share our asked for your feedback on theachieving durable solutions to thepassion for the environment. contents of World Ark. So many ofchallenges facing spice producers.Because in caring for the Earth, we you enjoy learning about our globalOur partnership with the Dougcare for ourselves and each other.community through the featureJeffords company inspired us to stories in these pages. We hope thiscreate a new company, NuevaYours for a better world,issue reflects the changes that youKerala, that will allow us to disrupt asked for. We value your opinion,the supply chain and create local so let us know what you think aboutjobs that pay a living wage while our magazine and our mission.farmers increase their incomes.Pierre U. FerrariIn this issue youll visit withJoining the strategic partnership is@HeiferCEOHEIFER.ORG |1'