Koppert recently invested in Latia Agribusiness Solutions (LAS). This company supports farmers through training, mentorship and skilled labor provision. Located in Isinya, Kenya, the firm offers these services through unique models that include apprenticeship programs, on-site and off-site incubation of agripreneurs, as well as short training programs targeting small-holder farmers. LAS aims at transforming low profit yielding agribusiness ventures into lucrative enterprises that are financially sustainable.
LAS is an off-shoot of Latia Resource Centre (LRC), a social enterprise established in 2008 to provide training and business support services to farmers, pastoralists and agribusinesses in Africa. LAS college (Latia Agripreneurship Institute) has been accredited by all relevant statutory institutions including the Technical & Vocational Education & Training Authority TVETA, and the National Industrial Training Authority NITA .
Besides Koppert, the other new investors in Latia are Agritech Solutions and Delphy. By bringing together new partners and shareholders, Latia’s new and strengthened structure creates a unique platform and ecosystem of solution providers. Trainees and growers alike are now able to acquire an array of knowledge, technologies and support to enable them to achieve their objectives.
Koppert brings to Latia over fifty years of knowledge and experience in sustainable agriculture. This know-how will now be practically demonstrated and disseminated to enable farmers to improve food production, quality and sustainability. It is one extra step in the company’s noble endeavor to partner with nature to make agriculture healthier, safer and more productive. Smallholder farmers play a critical role in ensuring food security but are often less equipped with new technologies and knowledge to improve productivity and enhance sustainability. SMEs on the other hand often lack skilled labour to enable them to accomplish their objectives.
The new Latia seeks to bridge these gaps. 'As Koppert Kenya, we are excited by the opportunity to be part of this venture. By spreading the message and culture of sustainable agriculture, we look forward to transforming the industry in Kenya, East Africa, and indeed, the entire African continent,' says the General Manager of Koppert Kenya, Charles Macharia.
For more information:
Koppert Biological Systems
info@koppert.com
www.koppert.com