ISA farmer leaders Dan Farney and Doug Winter arrived in Nicaragua yesterday. Dan and Doug joined fellow leaders from Kentucky, North Carolina, South Dakota and Kansas, as well as representatives from WISHH, the World Soy Foundation (WSF) and NSRL. The partners work closely together to create nutrition solutions utilizing high-quality, nutritious soy protein. ISA has a long history of investment in the programs in Central America and around the world.
Doug Winter and Dan Farney at the CSR Conference in Nicaragua.
The program this week includes travels and events in Nicaragua and Guatemala. Both nations are located in Central America, and are current markets for our U.S. soy products. Nicaragua is currently the poorest country in Central America with significant health and nutrition challenges. The support from U.S. soybean farmers has initiated many impactful programs. There also is significant CSR activity. Bringing the two efforts together has allowed WSF and WISHH/NSRL to achieve even greater impact in Central America.
Today’s activities were focused on collaboration throughout Nicaragua through a CSR conference organized by WSF, WISHH/NSRL and WSF Corporate Partner, Cargill. Cargill has several business units located in Central America and is very devoted to CSR. WSF and WISHH/NSRL have been partnering with Cargill to develop CSR projects in Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua to utilize soy protein to improve nutrition of school lunches, early childhood nutrition, development of microenterprises, and educational and communication events highlighting the power of CSR in improving the region’s nutrition.
Today was just such an event! The conference was held in Managua, Nicaragua, and included local and international companies interested in learning more about addressing nutrition challenges through their CSR activities. Presentations included representatives from the U.S. Embassy and USDA, World Food Program, Cargill, WSF, University of Illinois, WISHH/NSRL, Care, Fabretto Children’s Foundation and many others.
A highlight of the conference was the presentation from Dan Farney. He shared more about the programs created by U.S. soybean farmers to connect the power of soy to nutritional needs in the developing world. Dan also commented to the participants that the U.S. and Central America are truly neighbors, and that neighbors work together to create benefits for the neighborhood. The conference was a good opportunity for all the people on this trip to meet key partners in Nicaragua and to learn more about the vibrant nutrition programs underway in the country.
The group tomorrow will see projects in action with visits to Cargill and Fabretto Schools, a local training farm and a soy cooking demonstration.
Regards,
Bridget Owen, NSRL Associate Director
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