Haiti Hope Project Gets $1 Million Boost

ATLANTAThe Coca-Cola Companys Haiti Hope Project received a $1 million boost with an initial contribution from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The USAID contribution brings total investment in the Haiti Hope Project to $7.5 million, including $3.5 million from The Coca-Cola Company and $3 million from the Inter-American Development Banks Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF).

The Haiti Hope Project is a public-private initiative working to develop a sustainable mango industry in Haiti. The Coca-Cola Company launched the Haiti Hope Project in March 2010 with the introduction of Odwalla Haiti Hope Mango Lime-Aid. Profits from the sale of the beverage directly support the Haiti Hope Project.

More than 60 percent of the Haitian population derives revenue from agriculture. The Haiti Hope Project focuses on improving local mango farming capacity, thereby helping to promote economic growth and sustainable development. The Project aims to empower 25,000 Haitian farmers by doubling their farm income. The goals of the Haiti Hope Project are to contribute to the long-term development of Haiti by doubling farm income and improving the standard of living of farmers and their families, with a particular focus on women farmers.

Muhtar Kent, Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company stated, "The Coca-Cola Company and the U.S. Government, through the Department of State and USAID, have worked successfully together on projects around the world that have made a significant difference in communities. We welcome the opportunity to partner with USAID in Haiti and to augment the sustainable agriculture work they already are undertaking in the country. Together, we are committed to the long-term economic development and revitalization of Haiti."

The United States Government publicly announced their financial support of the Project in coordination with the Interim Haiti Recovery Commission meeting held on August 17 in Haiti. "Haiti's agricultural sector is critical to the countrys long-term economic growth. That's why we are focusing so much of our reconstruction efforts in this area," said USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah. "This effort complements other public-private partnerships that we've launched in Haiti since the earthquake to unlock innovative, locally-driven approaches to meeting urgent development challenges. We are pleased to contribute $1 million in USAID funding to this effort and look forward to working with our project partners to maximize the benefits of this project and help sustainably advance Haiti's long-term recovery."

"Empowering the people of Haiti and embracing their entrepreneurial spirit, while working in alignment with the Government of Haiti's priorities, will be critical in helping Haiti build back better," said U.S. Ambassador to Haiti Kenneth Merten.

As the Project activities continue throughout the year, efforts will focus on enabling mango farmers to organize into small groups to increase production and improve supply linkages. Skill assessment and technical training will be facilitated by experts on the ground in Haiti to help farmers diversify their income and stabilize their revenues in the face of food insecurity.

TechnoServe will be implementing the Project on the ground. The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund recently announced that it will contribute over $500,000 to support the formation and financing of mango producer groups, nurseries and collection centers to benefit farmers.