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CHAMPIONS FORGROWTH

37%

A Cooperative Effort to Feed the World

THAT'S THE PERCENTAGE OF EARTH'S LAND WHERE THE FARMERS CAN GROW THE CROPS AND RAISE THE LIVESTOCK THAT FEED OUR WORLD. IT'S ALL WE'VE GOT.

The world’s population will be nearly 10 billion by 2050. Yet, we have limited resources and land to feed a growing population. We’ve got to work together — across continents, cultures, and markets — to make nutritious food abundant, so that everyone can realize their full potential.

Venture37 is uniquely positioned to do just that. That’s because we tap into the people and power of Land O’Lakes, Inc., one of the largest farmer-owned cooperatives with diversified agribusinesses in dairy, livestock and crops, and agricultural sustainability. Pair this with local insights from 40 years of agricultural development, and we’ve got what it takes to unlock the potential of dairy, livestock, and crops farms and agribusiness ventures around the world. Our integrated solutions promote competitive markets, resilient systems, nutrition-secure communities, and inclusive societies.

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WE COLLABORATE WITH PARTNERS AROUND THE GLOBE TO UNLEASH THE LOCAL POWER OF GLOBAL AGRICULTURE.

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OUR HISTORY

WITH ROOTS IN MINNESOTA, WE’VE MADE AN IMPACT IN 80+ COUNTRIES WORLDWIDE.

In 1981, a group of farmers gathered in a Minnesota board room of Land O’Lakes, Inc. to discuss a bold idea: international development. As members of a cooperative dating back to 1921, these farmer-members knew from experience that uniting to improve agriculture can lead to healthier communities and stronger economies — both abroad and at home in the United States. They agreed that fostering food security and economic prosperity globally was a win-win for everyone: for business ventures, for trade, and for a more secure world.

This is how Venture37 got its roots.

WE KNOW AGRICULTURE

WE KNOW HOW AGRICULTURE FITS IN.

Whether it’s animal nutrition, dairy foods, crop insights,or sustainability, we leverage expertise and resources   from one of the United States’ largest cooperatives, working with some of the most respected brands

OUR WORK IS MARKET-DRIVEN.

We’re rooted in America’s heartland, with branches around the globe. Whether we’re partnering with the private sector, government officials, or academic institutions, we take an agile approach to our market- driven approach.

BY BOOSTING FOOD SECURITY ABROAD,
WE HELP BUSINESS PROSPECTS AT HOME.

We know that a prosperous world is in our best interest -leading to stronger markets, business opportunities, trade, and global security. It’s a win-win for everyone.

OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM:

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Executive Director

John Ellenberger

John leads Land O’Lakes Venture37, a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 1981 by Land O’Lakes, Inc. He assumed the role in 2017 after leading the Land O'Lakes, Inc. U.S. Dairy Foods teams since 2008. Before joining Land O’Lakes, John led corporate marketing at American Medical Systems and spent 15 years in various marketing leadership roles at General Mills. He earned his bachelor’s degree and MBA from the University of Minnesota. John was recently appointed as a board member of the Board for International Food and Agricultural Development (BIFAD) and serves as Vice Chair on the Board of Directors for ServeMinnesota. He previously served on the Board of Directors for Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare.

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Group Director of Strategic Growth and Partnerships

Giselle Aris

Giselle joined our team in 2011, after spending two years designing, scaling, and managing a smallholder farmer-owned dairy enterprise in South India. She brings over a decade of experience in facilitating inclusive private investment and accelerated business growth in emerging markets. Giselle loves dreaming up new types of shared value partnerships for advancing global agriculture development and food security — so if you have ideas on ways we could co-invest towards these goals, get in touch! Giselle is happiest when she’s climbing a mountain, riding her bike, reading a book, or cooking and eating in good company.

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Human Resources Director

Mat Ayaga

Mat Ayaga joined Venture37 in 2019. Born and raised in Asembo, Western Kenya, Mat has worked with various global development organizations in Africa and the United States. She has more than 15 years of experience supporting development projects in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. At Venture37, Mat leads the development, implementation, and delivery of strategic Human Resources initiatives and practices across the organization. She loves connecting with people and creating new relationships. Mat is based in Washington DC and enjoys spending time with her family.

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Technical Director

Dai Harvey

Dai Harvey embarked on his career with Venture37 in 2004 in his home of Zambia, with a focus of growing private sector involvement in the dairy industry. Since then, Dai has provided technical and management oversight for all types of agricultural projects in over 40 countries worldwide. Now based in the United Kingdom, he still has interests on the family farm in Zambia, where his brothers manage rain fed crops, livestock and tourism operations. Dai is passionate about creating opportunities for improving consumer access to safe, nutritious food and endeavoring to ensure farmers capture more of the final price to consumers.

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Director of Global Security

John Kirkwood

John’s career spans over four decades of public and private sector service in law enforcement and corporate security. John began as a police officer in Lincoln, Nebraska, before joining the United States Secret Service, investigating financial crime, threats and providing protection to national and world leaders.   John retired after 25 years as the Special Agent in Charge of the Minneapolis Field Office. He was then appointed the Chief Deputy of the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office in St. Paul, before coming to Land O’Lakes in 2015.

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IT Director, Corporate IT Business Lead

Kyle Nelson

Kyle joined the Land O’Lakes Venture37 team in 2020 after spending four years in different IT leadership roles from IT Security to IT Operations, and he is currently IT Business Lead for all corporate areas. He focuses on helping organizations optimize technology while right-sizing processes to drive operational efficiencies and business growth. He has over 20 years of experience in both corporate and nonprofit organizations across manufacturing, healthcare, insurance, and retail. Kyle enjoys traveling, boating, skiing, photography and is an avid Minnesota Vikings football fan. He and his wife love spending time at the lake with the family.

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Group Director of Operations

Mary Jo Robinson

Mary Jo has been with Land O’Lakes for more than three decades of experience in financial and operational roles; holding positions both with Land O’Lakes, Inc. and with Land O’Lakes Venture37.  Mary Jo has worked exclusively in the development sector with Venture37 since 2002. Mary Jo holds a BA in Accounting from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire and an MBA in International Financial Management from St. Thomas University in St. Paul, Minnesota. Mary Jo loves to spend quality time with family as well as loves to travel, play golf and spend time on Minnesota lakes in the summer.

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Director of Global Monitoring, Evaluation, & Learning

Meredith Saggers

A part of our team since 2014, Meredith leads the strategic direction of MEL across the organization. She brings 15+ years of experience designing and implementing quality MEL systems in agriculture and economic empowerment programs throughout the world. Meredith is passionate about using quality data to maximize our impact on the participants, businesses and communities we serve. Outside of work, Meredith enjoys fitness and exploring new countries.

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