Key takeaways
- Mirova has invested in Big Tree Farms to support the expansion of its vertically integrated, smallholder-focused supply chain in Indonesia.
- The investment aims to increase Big Tree Farms’ farmer network from 17,000 to 25,000 and significantly expand production capacity.
- Planned initiatives include improved farmer payments, logistics optimization, technical training, and facility upgrades starting in 2028.
- The partnership aligns with Indonesia’s food system sustainability goals and Mirova’s impact strategy focused on land use, climate resilience, and biodiversity.
Mirova Backs Big Tree Farms’ Smallholder-Centered Supply Chain
Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Burlington, Vermont, Big Tree Farms operates a vertically integrated value chain sourcing from approximately 17,000 smallholder farmers in Java, Indonesia. The company oversees sourcing, processing at its Sukoharjo facility, and export to the United States, enabling traceability and quality control across all stages of production.
Big Tree Farms supplies both business-to-consumer and business-to-business markets in North America, with distribution through retailers such as Whole Foods and Sprouts, as well as ingredient customers. Its operating model combines smallholder sourcing with centralized processing and international distribution, demonstrating how certified organic and fair-trade supply chains can function at commercial scale.
Mirova Investment Supports Capacity Expansion And Regenerative Practices
Through its investment, Mirova is supporting Big Tree Farms’ plans to expand its farmer network to 25,000 producers and double production capacity over time. Key operational priorities include streamlining farmer payment cycles, reducing logistics costs through on-farm pre-processing, and providing technical training to improve yields and product quality.
Beginning in 2028, additional capital expenditure is planned to expand and upgrade processing facilities, alongside diversification into new distribution channels, including food service. By the end of the investment period, Big Tree Farms aims to increase sustainably managed land from 1,400 hectares to 6,000 hectares and expand the share of raw materials certified Fair for Life and USDA Organic.
Strategic Alignment With Sustainability And Impact Objectives
The partnership supports Indonesia’s transition toward more sustainable food systems while aligning with Mirova’s broader impact strategy focused on sustainable land use, climate resilience, and biodiversity preservation. Big Tree Farms is implementing an Environmental and Social Management System and strengthening farmer capacity-building initiatives to support long-term supply chain resilience.
“This investment in Big Tree Farms demonstrates our belief in the role of sustainable land use in delivering environmental and social outcomes,” said Antoine Raes, Investment Director at Mirova.
Ben Ripple, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Big Tree Farms, said the investment enables the company to scale regenerative practices while maintaining economic opportunities for smallholder farmers.
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