On January 28, 2021, Kering and Conservation International launched the Regenerative Fund for Nature to transform 1 million hectares (2.5 million acres) of farms and landscapes producing raw materials in fashion’s supply chains to regenerative agriculture over the next five years.
The Regenerative Fund for Nature will provide grants to farmers, NGOs and key stakeholders who are on the frontlines of developing and scaling agricultural change on the ground. The first round of funding is open to grant applications as of today.
In launching the Regenerative Fund for Nature, Kering and Conservation International aim to help finance farmers transition from current agricultural practices, which have high impacts on climate and nature, towards more regenerative practices that restore nature and mitigate climate change.
The Fund will directly support farmers in adopting regenerative agricultural practices, building awareness of the need for improved farm-level practices, and ensuring the right market mechanisms are in place to scale regenerative agricultural production.
Eligible projects will take place in one (or more) of the 17 countries that have been identified through a rigorous analysis by Conservation International, and will focus on one (or more) of the core raw materials for Luxury – leather, cotton, wool and cashmere.
To support a proof of concept for regenerative raw materials in fashion’s supply chain, the Fund has been set up using pioneering science-based tools and methodologies to prioritize projects that will maximize positive impact. The projects’ progress will be monitored to ensure they deliver measurable outcomes for nature, climate and livelihoods.
Grant applications should be submitted by April 30, 2021.
Photo of farmland in Wisconsin by David Mark from Pixabay.