- 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.
Management
John W Veenstra
John W. Veenstra is co-chair of The John and Elizabeth Veenstra Foundation. Along with co-chair Elizabeth Veenstra, he shapes and approves grantmaking strategies, advocates for the foundation’s issues, and helps set the overall direction of the organization.
John and Elizabeth Veenstra work together to expand the diversity of seeds, livestock and the health and wellness of land and people by collaborating with grantees and partners.
John Veenstra began his philanthropic efforts in 1994, when he created the Veenstra Farm Preservation Trust, which focused on preserving farm land and the family farm way of life. In 2004, Elizabeth Veenstra established the Por Homines Foundation focusing on health and wellness for mankind. In 2007, the Veenstra’s combined their philanthropic interests to form The John and Elizabeth Veenstra Foundation for the charitable purpose of expanding the diversity of seeds and livestock and the preservation of farm land and the health and wellness of both land and people.
John Veenstra received a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Calvin College and a Masters of Business Administration in Finance from Wayne State University. John also holds a degree in Engineering from the Chrysler Institute. John has been a successful entrepreneur for over 40 years in manufacturing, computers, and internet technology. John Veenstra invented or co-invented several patents including a patent on internet local search and advertising, US 5930474. John was formerly the CEO of Geotag Management Group, LLC
Veenstra grew up in Dearborn, Michigan with five brothers and sisters and spent his summers at the family farms in Fremont, Michigan.
Elizabeth Veenstra
As co-chairs, John and Elizabeth Veenstra shape and approve foundation strategies, review results, advocate for the foundation’s issues, and help set the overall direction of the organization.
Elizabeth Veenstra received a bachelor’s degree in International Business from California State University, Fullerton in 1990 and a Masters in Business Administration from Chapman University in 1998.
Since 2004 she has directed her energy toward farming, health and wellness. She has spent time working on the family farm with livestock, rare breed chickens most recently an heirloom organic squash program and organic soybeans with local Amish farmers.
John Veenstra and Elizabeth Veenstra live in Texas.