This press release was originally posted by USAID/Haiti. The activity is implemented by Land O'Lakes Venture37. Drawing on more than 60 years of experience in global livestock — and recognizing the importance of strong markets in tandem with food security to improve livelihoods — Land O'Lakes Venture37 has extensively promoted livestock systems change to improve productivity, promote commercial investment, and help communities access nutritious animal-sourced foods. Our end-to-end approach to livestock stems from our shared history and affiliation with Land O’Lakes, Inc., a $16 billion farmer-owned cooperative with 100 years of farm-to-fork experience in dairy, animal feed, and crop protection. Learn more about Venture37's approach to strengthening agricultural market systems.

The U.S. Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has launched a new livestock profitability activity, Programme d’Appui à la Rentabilisation de l’Elevage (PARE).

Beginning in 2023, USAID will be partnering with livestock market actors to support livestock value chains. PARE will build a more resilient livestock market that will boost profitable commercialization of the cattle, goat, sheep, and poultry value chains in 35 communes of Haiti’s North, North-East, Center, and South departments. USAID will enable long-lasting market linkages with aspiring private and public sector partners, while building the resilience of smallholder farmers and their communities.

“Currently, smallholder farmers in Haiti lack access to inputs and services, such as quality feed and forages, and health, veterinary, and financial services. Outbreaks in animal diseases are common — as are supply chain disruptions around the country — making it difficult for producers to sell and transport goods,” says U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Eric Stromayer. PARE will use a $3.6 million market co-investment fund to kickstart the sector to tackle these issues, while improving local markets and livelihoods. By 2027, the activity will improve the resilience of up to 30,000 households and 100 firms, facilitating more than $65 million USD in sales for producers, input providers, and other businesses, and leveraging $3.6 million USD in private sector investment.

USAID/Haiti’s Mission Director Jennifer Link, adds that, “In Haiti, the livestock sector is of significant importance for most of the rural households as a means of savings and safety net.  PARE will help increase livestock production to feed families, increase farmers’ earnings, and improve the resilience of the livestock market actors.”

Beyond livestock programming, USAID/Haiti works to promote economic growth, improve sustainable reconstruction and development, create jobs and agricultural development, provide health and education services, and improve effective governance.