Heather Terry, founder and CEO of GoodSAM Foods, is leading the way in transforming the global food system. In a recent interview on the podcast “Sustainability In Your Ear,” Terry shared her vision for a more sustainable and regenerative approach to food production.
GoodSAM Foods sources 90% of its ingredients directly from smallholder farms in Latin America and Africa, bypassing middlemen and reinvesting profits back into farming communities. This model not only supports local farmers but also ensures a more resilient supply chain in the face of climate change and other challenges.
Terry’s journey to secure $9 million in Series A funding highlights the disconnect between traditional investors and regenerative business models. While facing skepticism from conventional investors, she found success with impact investors who understood the importance of sustainable food systems.
Despite maintaining USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project verification, Terry takes a critical stance on regenerative certification labels. She argues that current certification systems often impose Global North standards on farmers who have been practicing regenerative techniques for generations. Instead, GoodSAM Foods focuses on building direct relationships with farmers and conducting on-ground verification.
In a time when the U.S. food system is under increasing pressure from climate impacts and trade policy changes, Terry emphasizes the importance of consumer choice. Every purchase made sends a signal to companies about the kind of products consumers value. By supporting companies like GoodSAM Foods, consumers can help drive positive change in the food industry.
To learn more about GoodSAM Foods and their mission, visit their website at goodsamfoods.com. By supporting companies like GoodSAM Foods, consumers can help drive positive change in the food industry and support a more sustainable and regenerative approach to food production.
