- News
- In 1970, US farmers lost $1 billion worth of crops after a disease killed uniform corn varieties.
- Lack of genetic diversity led to massive outbreaks of citrus canker in Florida in 1984 and in Brazil in 1991
- During the 1840's, the majority of the population of Ireland relied upon a single variety of the potato. As a result of the lack of genetic diversity, a fungus was able to destroy the entire potato crop, causing the infamous Irish Potato Famine.
Did You Know?
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, since 1900, approximately 75% of the world’s genetic diversity of agricultural crops has been eliminated.
In 1998, the 10 largest seed companies controlled about 33% of the global seed market, and today 69% of all corn and 47% of all soybean seeds in the US were purchased from just four major companies.
What We Do
The John W Veenstra and Elizabeth Veenstra Foundation is a non-profit, charitable organization established to provide funds to support research and education on biodiversity of seed, livestock and preservation of farm land including sustainable and organic farming. . We believe that the combination of a diverse natural food supply and healthy land supports the health and longevity for humans.
Our Mission
Our goals are twofold. The first is to counteract the negative effects of the global corporate farming industry on our world's agriculture systems with a return to a natural diversity of seeds, animals, land and local farming in an economically viable system. The second goal is to educate people that wellness and longevity are tied to healthy food and land. Through our efforts a natural balanced food supply is available and affordable to the common man resulting in wellness for both land and people.
Highlights
- December 2007 – The John and Elizabeth Veenstra Foundation is Formed
- June 2009 – The John and Elizabeth Veenstra Foundation is approved as a non profit 501 3 (c )