Silk Grass Farms: A Regenerative Agribusiness in Belize
SILK GRASS FARMS is a vertically integrated agribusiness located in Southern Belize that reimagines the way food is grown and processed… Founded in 2019 by social entrepreneurs Mandy Cabot and Peter Kjellerup, in partnership with Belizean agribusiness leader Henry Canton, the organization has been committed to creating positive environmental and social impact. The project combines agriculture with land stewardship and conservation, producing fresh food while protecting the rainforest ecosystem that is vital to Belize and the world.
Key Benefits and Highlights
Key figures and facts that mark the success of Silk Grass Farms include:
- Approximately 33,000 acres across four working farms in the Stann Creek and Cayo districts of Belize
- A 130,000 square-foot state-of-the-art food-processing factory powered by a 2-MW solar array
- A dedicated conservation easement linked to the 24,500-acre Silk Grass Wildlife Preserve
- Profits allocated through a Perpetual Purpose Trust to benefit the wildlife preserve
- A BCorp score of 91.4, highlighting its commitment to sustainable practices
Innovative Farming Practices
Silk Grass Farms employs regenerative agriculture that leverages the earth’s natural systems to cultivate a diverse collection of perennial and annual food crops such as citrus, coconuts, cacao, mangoes, watermelons, and avocados. The approach features longer grass cycles, responsible water management, healthy soils rich in biodiversity, and reforestation with native hardwood trees. This blend of traditional care and innovative methods aims to create a balance between large-scale production and environmental integrity… A truly holistic and forward-thinking strategy.
State-of-the-Art Food Processing
The commercial-scale, cutting-edge food-processing facility is built for optimal energy efficiency and waste reduction. It processes the harvest from Silk Grass Farms and other approved farms, packaging raw agricultural materials into the highest-quality food and personal care products. The facility’s design, which includes solar power integration, not only drives economic growth in the local community but also supports responsible production methods that align with the project’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
Product Range and Natural Offerings
The product line begins with all things coconut – featuring oil, water, milk, and cream – and expands to include cold-pressed juices, juice blends, fruit purees, essential and fragrance oils, as well as skin and hair care products and honey. Each product reflects a direct connection to the land and the dedication to sustainable practices. The integration of local biodiversity into the production process ensures that every item brings a taste of Belize’s natural richness while supporting conservation efforts.
Project Impact on Sustainability
- SDG 2 – Zero Hunger: Supporting sustainable, locally grown diets through innovative agribusiness practices
- SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy: Harnessing renewable solar power for food processing operations
- SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: Prioritizing waste reduction and energy-efficient production
- SDG 13 – Climate Action: Implementing regenerative techniques that help mitigate climate change
- SDG 15 – Life on Land: Conserving a vast expanse of rainforest, ensuring protection for biodiverse ecosystems
- SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: Collaborating with local communities and global partners to model sustainable agribusiness
Preserving Belize’s Natural Legacy
The expansive Silk Grass Wildlife Preserve, which spans 24,500 acres of first-growth rainforest, forms a critical wildlife corridor linking several key protected areas in Belize. This conservation effort protects a continent-spanning mosaic of biodiversity and stands as a testament to the country’s dedication to environmental stewardship. With profits from the agribusiness continuously reinvested into the preserve, the project achieves a rare blend of agricultural productivity and legacy conservation, ensuring that both people and the planet thrive together.
