INSPIRED IMPACT is an ongoing blog series that gives voice to social entrepreneurs and leaders of mission-driven organizations who are making an impact in their communities, industries, and around the world.
Kyle Garner is the CEO of ORGANIC INDIA USA. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube and learn more at organicindia.com.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
We work with and empower small family farmers in India to cultivate regenerative organic farmland. We ethically purchase herbs from farmers giving them the respect and dignity they deserve. These herbs are crafted in to high quality herbal teas and herbal dietary supplements.
WHY DO YOU DO IT?
At the heart of ORGANIC INDIA is our commitment to be a living embodiment of love and consciousness in action. We work with thousands of small family farmers in India to cultivate tens of thousands of acres of regenerative organic farmland. All of our farmers and tribal wildcrafters are educated in organic and regenerative agricultural practices. We purchase the harvested crops and herbs at a premium market price. The farmers also rotate between growing crops on their land for ORGANIC INDIA with food crops for themselves. This means farming families are supported by a sustainable income, while at the same time improving and preserving their own health and natural environment.
WHAT IMPACT ARE YOU MAKING?
We work with 2,500 small family farmers and have converted tens of thousands of acres of farmland to organic. We pay our partner farmers fair trade wages and educate them on organic and regenerative practices. As a certified B Corp, we were recently recognized as a “Best for the World” company for our overall impact on workers, environment, governance, and community.
WHAT (OR WHO) INSPIRES YOU TO MAKE THIS IMPACT?
Our thousands of farmers are among India’s most at-risk populations: women, widows, the elderly, the illiterate. Our work is to support our farmers with good wages regardless of whether the crops succeed. True wellness for the world starts in caring for one another, the environment, and the food that will nourish generations to come.
WHAT’S YOUR BIG DREAM FOR THE ORGANIZATION AND THE IMPACT YOU WANT TO MAKE?
We dream of converting all farm land to organic and providing a dignified living for all smallholder farmers throughout India.
WHAT RESOURCES DO YOU NEED TO MAKE THOSE DREAMS COME TRUE?
Our model focuses on education of farmers on organic and regenerative practice and building a global marketplace for products that use these herbs. As we expand distribution for our products, we are able to reach more farmers.
WHAT IS (OR HAS BEEN) YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
Like most small companies, the biggest challenge is breaking through. We need to make people aware of the brand and provide access through expanded distribution in store and online.
WHAT WORDS OF ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER LEADERS LOOKING TO MAKE AN IMPACT?
Just start. You don’t have to be perfect on day one. Take the first step toward a big dream and you won’t be disappointed.
HOW CAN OTHERS SUPPORT YOU OR YOUR CAUSE?
By purchasing ORGANIC INDIA products, you are actively participating in our mission to create a healthy and sustainable global environment.
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