REGENERATIVE CROP DEVELOPMENT
Collaborating With Timberland and
Smallholders to Bring Cotton Back to Haiti
We supported a partnership between the Smallholder Farmers Alliance (SFA) and Timberland to bring cotton farming back to Haiti after a 30-year hiatus, resulting in the first Timberland shoe containing Haitian cotton being brought to market in 2021.
Services
context assessment
stakeholder engagement
capacity building
regenerative strategy
feasibility studies
cropping concept development
thought partnership
Partners
Smallholder Farmers Alliance
Timberland
The VF Foundation
Terra Genesis
Smallholder Data Services
Rockefeller Foundation
Project Context
Timberland first partnered with the Smallholder Farmers Alliance (SFA) in 2010 to plant five million trees in five years in Haiti. Encouraged by the results five years later, Timberland decided to explore cotton as a crop that farmers could grow and the brand could use in its products – evolving its role from supporter of the Haitian smallholder farming community to buyer of the regenerative cotton it helped pioneer. In 2016 the two organizations launched a project with the goal to create a new sustainable supply chain for cotton, while at the same time advancing the reforestation of Haiti and improving farmers’ lives. The partnership has resulted in a first line of products containing Haitian grown Community Cotton™ being brought to market for Timberland’s Spring 2021 collection.
Process
We began by conducting a feasibility study that set out to explore the viability and export potential for smallholder-grown, organic cotton in Haiti. This was followed by foundational regenerative strategy work with the SFA management, an in-depth context assessment and first field trials to determine which varieties would perform best in the Haitian context. Subsequent work included the development of a cropping concept based on alley cropping systems, training of the SFA team on regenerative practices and implementation support. In 2021 we supported a Terra Genesis pilot project of the Ethos™ Regenerative Outcome Verication protocol to ensure traceability and track regenerative impacts.
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Stakeholder Engagement
Achieving lasting regenerative outcomes requires a long-term vision, commitment, and a shift to a new collaborative paradigm. It’s essential that all key stakeholders—particularly buyers and producers—are aligned on long-term goals, approaches and key aspects required to regenerate the agricultural systems they are working on. We engage all stakeholders in a foundational process that develops their ability to think and operate from a regenerative perspective. Stakeholder engagement is critical because it builds the trust, mutual understanding and healthy relationships that are required for long-term project success.
Feasibility Study
A feasibility study is essential for assessing the practical and financial viability of transitioning to regenerative agricultural systems. Through a detailed analysis of land, resources, and market conditions, it enables clients to understand potential risks, opportunities, and required investments. This process equips clients with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions, reduce uncertainties, and strategically plan for a successful shift towards regenerative practices.
(Industry) Research
Industry research allows our clients to stay informed about the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in the field of regenerative agriculture and development. By analyzing market dynamics, regulatory developments, and innovative approaches within the industry, we provide our clients with valuable insights that inform their strategies and decision-making. This research helps identify opportunities for collaboration, fosters a deeper understanding of consumer demands, and supports the successful implementation of regenerative practices that enhance both environmental sustainability and economic viability.
Context Assessment
The process of regeneration looks differently in every context, due to the unique opportunities, constraints, and potential that are present in every place. To design effective regenerative solutions, it’s crucial to develop a deep understanding of the specific place. Typically this work involves remote assessments, site visits, technical analysis, and ongoing engagement with local partners. A thorough context assessment helps identify key intervention points and guides the selection of practices best suited to achieving the desired outcomes.
Capacity Building
Regeneration requires thinking and working from a different paradigm. In order for project stakeholders to align and effectively work together, we engage them in a collaborative process that develops their thinking around what regeneration means in their context. This can take the form of webinars with primers on regenerative agriculture or development, or more in-depth workshopping that evolves everyone’s thinking about the work at hand. Since regeneration is an ever-evolving process, the capacities of the stakeholders need to evolve with the project.
Cropping Concept Development
after we assess the context, and understand where change is needed, and what the impact of a given interventions is, we start developing a comprehensive program that integrates the work for the implementation process. We also develop a strategic approach for the implementation dependent on the specific, ecological, social-economic, and governance contexts of each origin
MRV Development
Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) in the context of regenerative agriculture systems involves systematically tracking and assessing the performance of agricultural practices regarding environmental and social outcomes. This process enables clients to quantify the impacts of their regenerative initiatives, such as improvements in soil health, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration. By providing credible data and transparent reporting, MRV helps clients demonstrate the effectiveness of their practices, meet regulatory requirements, and build trust with stakeholders, ultimately supporting informed decision-making and long-term sustainability goals.
Outcome Verification
Outcome verification in regenerative agriculture involves systematically assessing and validating the environmental, social, and economic impacts of regenerative practices. This process provides clients with credible evidence of their progress and effectiveness in achieving sustainability goals, such as improved soil health, enhanced biodiversity, and increased carbon sequestration. By implementing outcome verification, clients can demonstrate their commitment to regenerative practices to stakeholders, secure funding, and improve their market position, ultimately leading to more informed decision-making and long-term success in sustainable agriculture.
Thought Partnership
As thought partners, we collaborate closely with our clients to provide ongoing advisory services that guide them through their regenerative agriculture journey.
Outcomes
Stakeholder Capacity Development to Engage With Regenerative Approach
Trained SFA team members in regenerative agriculture and development. Developed training materials for extension work.
Crop Feasibility Study for Organic Cotton Production in Haiti
Conducted feasibility study to assess potential of smallholder grown cotton in Haiti
Insight into Opportunities & Constraints Unique to Haitian Context
Identified unique opportunities, constraints and development potential associated with SFA’s operating regions, local culture and traditions and other considerations.
Context-Specific Cropping Concepts & Implementation Strategy
Developed cropping concepts and tiered transition strategy for regenerative cotton
Ongoing Thought Partnership & Project Support
Provided ongoing support, research and advisory services in support of the organization’s efforts.
Regenerative Outcome Verification Program Pilot
Supported key components of the world’s first regenerative outcome verification (ROV) initiative for Ethos™ verified cotton.
Explore our work
Raising the Bar for the Coffee Industry: Regenerative Transition at Scale
Blue Bottle Coffee
Developing aspirational, industry-leading transition strategies for coffee origins in Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and Ethiopia
Climate Resilient Design for Arabica and Robusta Coffee in Nicaragua
Lavazza
Cropping concept development through a collaborative process that involves farmers, exporters, and the roaster
Turning a Healthy Snack Company’s Family Farm Into a Regenerative Innovation Site
Artisan Tropic
Farm design that shows the possibilities of regeneratively grown cassava and plantain in diversified agroforestry systems
Collaborating With Timberland and Smallholders to Bring Cotton Back to Haiti
SFA Haiti
Partnering with smallholder farmers on the long-term development of regenerative cotton in Haiti. Resulting in the first shoe brought to market with Haitian cotton.
Leading Research on Scaling Regenerative Agriculture With Smallholder Farmers
Rockefeller Foundation | Regen 10
Series of studies that explore the financial viability of smallholder farming and pathways to scale regenerative agriculture through innovation & crop diversification
Innovating Conservation: Reconciling Orangutan Habitat With Regenerative Palm Oil
SOS Sumatra | Faith in Nature
Conducting a study to assess the feasibility of integrating wildlife corridors for orangutans with regenerative palm oil agroforestry in Sumatra
