b'In 2024 alone, SPI partnered with 27 organizations to distrib-ute seeds capable of yielding over 1,052 tons of foodequating to a staggering 11.6 million servings of vegetables.Its a tremendous effortthough not one the organization could do on its own. Beasley says SPI\'s operational model thrives on collaboration with local organizations, ensuring initiatives are sustainable and ingrained in the community fabric.True success is seeing communities create change on their own terms, she says.But SPIs seed distribution isnt just about quantity; its tai-lored to local conditions to maximize impact. "We focus on hybrid and open-pollinated seeds, avoiding GMOs to simplify regulatory processes," Beasley says. By strengthening local seed supply chains and fostering seed-saving networks, SPI empowers communities to access high-quality agricultural inputs long after the organization has moved on.Small-holder farmers in Gedo, Somalia, with localMeasuring Impact Through Storiespartner Kaalmo Relief and Development, working inSPI doesnt just count beans; it counts successes. And there are climate resilience and disaster response.a lot of them."We use CAP surveysKnowledge, Attitudes, and Practices surveysto gather qualitative and quantitative data from farm-ers and community members," Beasley says. TEEING UP CHANGE: These insights illuminate the long-term impact of SPIs efforts, SEED WORLD GROUP CHARITY WIN BOOSTS turning individual stories of transformation into data-driven nar-ratives of success. SEED PROGRAMS INTERNATIONAL For example, a farmer may start with limited knowledge about crop diversification but, after participating in our pro-When Seed World Group President Shawn Brook won the charity golf tournamentgrams, can grow multiple vegetable types, feed their family year-round, and even sell surplus produce for extra income, Beasley at the International Seed Federations Primary Meeting last year, he didntsays. hesitate in naming who would get the funds: the obvious choice was Seed Programs International.Looking Toward the FutureIve seen the great work and impact that SPI has on communities, and I saw aAs SPI sets its sights on the future, its goals are ambitious, with five initiatives on their radar.tandem opportunity, Brook says. On the one hand I hope our donation will help1.Disaster Relief: Strengthening recovery programs for them to deliver even more global programs, and secondly, that our discussions,climate-affected communities.storytelling and sharing as Seed World will create increased awareness and help2.Small-Holder Farmer Outreach: Promoting crop diversifica-to bring important voices and decision makers together. tion for better resilience.3.Women in Agriculture: Expanding access and training This collaborative spirit drives not only the initiatives under the SPI umbrella butresources for female farmers.also embodies the Seed World Group mandatepeople connecting people.4. Youth Gardens: Educating young people about nutrition For us, that means, how do we support the global seed sector to help themand gardening.5.U.S. Programs: Increasing seed distribution to support grow their businesses and help them tell their story, Brook says. I think SPI hascommunity and school gardens nationwide.a similar commitment and that is about getting people the support they needWe envision a world where communities can rely on them-in small shareholder areas.I heard the CEO of Under Armour once say that hisselves for healthy food, where women and youth are empow-company has to do well before it can do good. Like everyone that is trying toered, and where resilience is built into every garden, Beasley do good, resources are required. My hope is that this donation creates somesays. Together, we can cultivate a healthier planet, one seed at additional exposure for SPIs inspirational body of work. a time.To learn more about Seed Programs International and sup-port their mission, visit their website at seedprograms.org/. SW50/ SEEDWORLD.COMJUNE 2025'