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Partner Organizations

The Ugandan vanilla industry collaborates with organizations around the globe to enhance vanilla quality and make Uganda a world-class
sourcing origin.

United States Department of Agriculture

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food for Progress Uganda program funds the Vines Project, a US$13 million investment over five years into the local industry. The project is transforming the lives of over 16,000 vanilla farmers by improving vanilla-based agroforestry, creating new jobs, and supporting local entrepreneurs and exporter businesses.

16,000

Farmers Supported

$13,000,000

Investment

Catholic Relief Services

Catholic Relief Services is the on-the-ground implementer of the Vines Project. With a team of technical experts, Catholic Relief Services trains farmers to grow vanilla more efficiently and guides processors in best practices. The organization also encourages market-friendly engagement from the Ugandan Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries, and supports the Association of Vanilla Exporters of Uganda Limited (VANEX).

“The Vines Project will make a huge difference in the lives of small-scale farmers while improving the supply chain and vanilla quality.”

—David Hirst
Chief of Party, Vines

“A stable vanilla market allows farmers and industry to thrive. We’re thrilled to see Uganda develop so meaningfully as an origin in recent years.”

—Gaël Lescornec
Executive Director, Sustainable Vanilla Initiative (SVI)

The Sustainable Vanilla Initiative (SVI)

SVI promotes socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable vanilla. Two nonprofits, IDH and The Sustainable Food Lab, host the initiative. Members range from consumer goods manufacturers to flavor houses, including Nielsen-Massey, Prova, Virginia Dare, Dr. Oetker, ADM, Touton, De Monchy Natural Products, Takasago, Givaudan, and more.

SVI Members represent over

70%

of global vanilla bean purchases

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