RALEIGH, N.C., MAY 21, 2024 – International Farming (I.F.), a global food-sourcing solutions platform, announced a new alliance with community partners to address the important issues of food security, land stewardship, mental health, and equity. Founded in 2009 by CEO and North Carolina native, Charlie McNairy, I.F. is proud to be collaborating with Boots on the Ground, A Place at the Table, NC Plants and Science Initiative, Sacred Seed, Bee Downtown, and Water Education Foundation to address these critical issues. As part of this important initiative, I.F. will donate $200,000 to the effort. Additionally, part of the donation will support local organizations in the communities where I.F. farms.
“Over the last 12 months, we had the honor to sit down with many who share our commitment to cultivating a better tomorrow.” said Eli Cheatham, chief strategic initiatives officer of I.F. “We are inspired by each of these organizations and proud to call them allies. While the challenges our world faces are great, we must never underestimate what can be accomplished when need is met by purposeful minds and passionate hearts.”
Supported Organizations
Raleigh’s first pay-what-you-can nonprofit café, A Place at the Table provides community and good food for all, regardless of means. On average, 80 people per day volunteer their time or volunteer for their meal. Since its opening in 2018, it has served more than 108,000 meals to someone in need in the community.
NC Plants and Sciences Initiative (N.C. PSI), supports students who face obstacles that hinder the pursuit of their graduate work. The agricultural industry is facing a labor pipeline crisis as there are not enough students being trained to do problem-based, cross-disciplinary science research, nor are there enough students entering agriculture-related fields to sustain the coming demand of the future.
As North Carolina’s first registered agricultural apprenticeship program for military veterans, Boots on the Ground: NC Veteran Farmer Apprenticeship aims to increase the pool of trained agricultural workers for management and entrepreneurial positions at farming operations in North Carolina.
Dedicated to increasing awareness around indigenous environmentalism, Sacred Seed works with ambassadors to house locations to grow its seeds. With a focus on moving away from mass industrial agricultural practices, its mission is to honor and practice indigenous wisdom.
Bee Downtown installs and maintains 500 beehives on more than 100 corporate campuses across the Southeast, while simultaneously providing year-round employee engagement and leadership development programming.
The Water Education Foundation has put water resource issues in California and the West in context to inspire a deep understanding of and appreciation for water. The foundation offers educational materials, tours of key watersheds, water news, water leadership training, and conferences to help build sound and collective solutions to water issues.
To learn more about I.F. and its vision for the future of food and agriculture, visit internationalfarming.com.
About International Farming
International Farming is focused on becoming a leading food-sourcing solutions platform. Through innovative ag-tech, asset management, and strategic partnerships, I.F. seeks to empower food buyers and farmers to build a more transparent, global food economy. With agricultural roots dating back to 1827, I.F. brings a deep understanding and respect for farming and the land to its business operations.
This [document/article] should not be considered an offer to buy or sell any product. None of the organizations named in this [document/article] are investors or clients of I.F. I.F.’s collaborations with and contributions to these organizations should not be construed as an endorsement of I.F. by any such organizations or any individuals associated with these organizations.