With the help of Danone and Mars, Firmenich is investing in a large-scale vanilla farming model in Madagascar through Livelihoods Fund for Family Farming (Livelihoods 3F). The project involves 3,000 vanilla producers and aims to increase food security, while tripling their revenue and providing sustainable, high-quality vanilla over a 10-year span.
“Vanilla is one of the most popular flavors in the world, and Madagascar represents 80% of its supply,” said Gilbert Ghostine, CEO Firmenich. “That’s why Firmenich has been working with smallholder farming communities in Madagascar for many years to support their sustainable livelihoods by driving the most ethical and traceable value chain. Taking our commitment to the next level, with Livelihoods 3F, we are innovating with a new vanilla farming model, based on diversifying farmers’ crops for more balance and security.”
Firmenich has maintained a strong presence in Madagascar since their first partnership with Authentic, a member of its Naturals Together program, in 2005. Currently, the Savanille cooperative, founded by Authentic, includes over 3,000 vanilla famers across 38 villages across Madagascar.
“We believe the Livelihoods-Vanilla project can make a difference because it enables farmers to regain control of their vanilla production, and vanilla users of their sourcing,” said Bernard Giraud, co-founder & president of Livelihoods Venture. “Through the Livelihoods Fund, private companies, NGOs and public authorities can combine their commitments and efforts to support a mutually beneficial model over the long term in the economic, social and environmental spaces.”
