Whole Planet Foundation Honors the Frontier Co-op Well Earth Program

At Whole Planet Foundation’s Annual Benefit & Auction, the Foundation honored the Frontier Co-op Well Earth sourcing program as its 2019 Trailblazer. The missions of Whole Planet Foundation and Frontier Co-op align perfectly around one central idea -- empowering people. In 2007, Frontier Co-op created the Well Earth sourcing program not only to ensure the sustainability of its products, but to empower its growers.

“We work directly with our Well Earth growers right at the source, often over many years, to empower them with a wide range of resources that will secure the long-term stability of their farms -- and their communities,” said Cole Daily, Executive Vice President of Operations at Frontier Co-op.

Establishing these long-term relationships in often remote areas helps blaze the trail for Whole Planet Foundation to alleviate poverty in communities through microcredit. Since 2014, Frontier has supported Whole Planet Foundation, donating $565,001 to fund 8,054 microloans and create 43,377 opportunities for microentrepreneuers to flourish.

UGANDAN VANILLA:  Empowering Farmers and Stabilizing Communities

In 2015, Frontier Co-op created a Ugandan vanilla product to support Whole Planet Foundation microloans in Uganda -- giving back 1% of product sales in select Whole Foods Market stores to Whole Planet Foundation.

In recent years, extreme price volatility in the global vanilla market has taken a toll on vanilla in Uganda, threatening the livelihoods of vanilla farmers, their families and their communities.

Through its ​Well Earth Program​, Frontier Co-op has established relationships with Ugandan vanilla growers and related organizations to help stabilize conditions in multiple ways:

• Supporting increased income opportunity:​ Frontier Co-op has provided pre-harvest loans to ensure farmers have the resources they need to start off the growing season. Frontier Co-op have also provided $56,000 in grants to support training that helps growers to produce a consistently higher quality vanilla that yields better prices.
• Advocating for better public policy:​ As a member of the Sustainable Vanilla Initiative’s steering committee, Frontier Co-op has worked with the Ugandan government, non-profit organizations and the local vanilla industry to stabilize market conditions for farmers.
• Funding farm diversification research:​ To help farmers add even more value to their vanilla, Frontier Co-op has provided funding to support an organic vanilla feasibility study.

Together, Whole Planet Foundation and Frontier Co-op are empowering Ugandans to achieve the security and stability they need to expand their businesses and improve their livelihoods.

Learn more about the Frontier Co-op Well Earth sourcing program on www.frontiercoop.com.

About Frontier Co-op®​

Founded in 1976 and based in Norway, Iowa, Frontier Co-op offers a full line of products for holistic living under the Frontier Co-op, Simply Organic, and Aura Cacia brands. Products include culinary herbs, spices and baking flavors; bulk herbs and spices; and aromatherapy products — with a wide selection of organics. We provide consumers with the highest-quality products while supporting and promoting social and environmental responsibility. Find out more about Frontier Co-op at: ​www.frontiercoop.com​.

For media inquiries, contact:
Mariah Andrews
Senior Director of Marketing Engagement
319-227-7996 | ext. 1299
Cell 319-830-5293
​mariah.andrews@frontiercoop.com