Cargill and Heifer International recently announced that their Hope Global Initiative is expanding into three southeastern states of Mexico. The expansion, they said, advances Hatching Hope’s bold vision to improve the nutrition and livelihoods of 100 million people by 2030 through the production, promotion and consumption of poultry.

“Hatching Hope will create thriving centers of agriculture,” said Victor García, Mexico Country director for Heifer International. “With Cargill’s partnership, Hatching Hope Mexico will connect farmers to market buyers and create increased demand for their products through local media and education.”

Mexico is the second country to launch a Hatching Hope project, following the launch in India in November 2018.

Work in Mexico will begin in Puebla, Oaxaca and Chiapas and will center around the growing demand for cage-free eggs. Hatching Hope will connect more than 1,000 female smallholder farmers with independent buyers. Using the Cargill feed distribution network, it will also train farmers on productive, efficient and sustainable farming practices so they can be part of the solution to improving nutrition and raising the economic productivity of the region.

“The key to Hatching Hope is working alongside entrepreneurial women farmers who are passionate about having a positive impact on their families, communities and businesses,” said Rene Osorio, managing director for Cargill’s feed and nutrition business in Mexico.

Cargill customers are also stepping forward to help. Distribuidora El Tio, a longtime Cargill customer and feed distributor in Mexico, is providing poultry feed at a competitive price, animal nutrition support and training on topics like poultry production, biosecurity, nutrition and technical support.

“We look forward to contributing to Hatching Hope by supporting these farmers and making a meaningful impact on the communities in which we live and operate,” Rene Vargas, general manager at Distribuidora El Tio, said.

Cargill and Heifer share a belief in the value of safe, sustainable and affordable animal protein in the diet, as well as a commitment to improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. By bringing their expertise, relationships and on-the-ground presence together to empower smart, resourceful female entrepreneurs, the organizations said they hope to create sustainable economic systems.