Through the “She Thrives” project and the “Growth for Kids” event, Cargill is showcasing its solid commitment to supporting communities, particularly women and ethnic minorities, in pursuit of a brighter future.
Collaborating to build sustainable communities
Cargill is not only a leading player in the animal feed and animal health industries but also a trusted partner to local communities. Through diverse corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives—such as building schools, helping farmers enhance their farming techniques, and providing nutritional support for children—Cargill has made a positive impact on the lives of many Vietnamese people. These efforts reflect the company’s care for the community and affirm its commitment to sustainable development.
With a business philosophy closely tied to social responsibility, Cargill has been engaged in significant projects across Vietnam. From constructing more than 100 schools nationwide to helping farmers address climate change and providing nutrition to children, Cargill’s community-centered actions come at just the right times. These activities not only provide tangible benefits to local communities but also contribute to building a sustainable society.
Cargill’s “She Thrives” project exemplifies the company’s relentless efforts to elevate the status of women. By offering training in life skills, business development, and entrepreneurship, the initiative has empowered thousands of rural women, helping them become more confident, independent, and capable of making positive contributions to their communities.
The “She Thrives” project was launched in November 2022 by Cargill in partnership with CARE, the Community Development Center (CDC), and the People’s Committee of Buon Ho Town in Dak Lak Province.
The project aims to achieve three main objectives: agricultural training, improved access to funding sources, and enhanced market access for traditional businesses.
The project has delivered various training programs in agricultural techniques, financial management, and team leadership, while also providing startup capital, livestock, animal feed, and veterinary medicine to 250 farmers—190 of whom are women—helping them increase their incomes. Expanding poultry, goat, and specialty pig farming, combined with shared production and trade practices, has resulted in the highest monthly income growth for these beneficiaries in the past two years.
The project focuses on improving access to essential resources for women and ethnic minorities, including access to capital and promoting leadership roles for women. During the pilot phase, the “She Thrives” project established 21 Self-Managed Savings Groups, with 275 members (211 of whom are women) receiving startup funds. On average, each member could access around VND2.5 million to invest in production, such as purchasing goat breeds, lawn mowers, or upgrading barns, thus expanding their livestock and business operations.
Significant progress has been made, helping livestock groups adapt their production methods to meet market demands, such as fattening goats for sale and introducing new breeds. A standout example is Y Tuen Niê from Ea Drong Commune, Buon Ho Town. By adopting new farming techniques, Y Tuen Niê’s goats gained an additional 5 to 7 kilograms in just six weeks—three times faster than using traditional methods. As a result, he was able to sell his herd earlier and recover his investment more quickly.
The project also supported the handicraft sector by enhancing techniques, which boosted demand for products and increased income through the diversification of local brocade goods. H Nônh Kriêng, a member of the handicraft group, said that her business was thriving. “Many customers are placing orders for brocade products. I have so much work that I’m considering hiring more people and buying more sewing machines to better meet demand,” she said.
After assessing the project’s outcomes, Cargill Vietnam Co., Ltd., and CARE decided to extend the “She Thrives” project for another year. Cargill will provide approximately VND5 billion to continue supporting the 15,000 participants through August 2025.
Nguyen Ba Luan, chief representative of Cargill in Vietnam, expressed his optimism: “Our first collaboration with CARE in Vietnam through the ‘She Thrives’ project has yielded impressive results. We believe this project will continue to positively contribute to the sustainable development of agricultural communities in Vietnam.”
Donating eggs, donating the future
In addition to supporting ethnic minorities, Cargill has extended its outreach by launching programs like “Eggs for Kids” to enhance children’s nutrition and help build a healthier young generation.
In early October, Cargill held the “Eggs for Kids” (Green Egg Campaign 2024) event at Nguyen Trung Truc Primary School in Long An Province, showcasing the health benefits of eggs.
The event, initiated by Cargill’s Animal Nutrition and Health Division (MHS) in collaboration with the Cargill Cares Vietnam Charity Fund, reached about 600 primary school students through interactive educational activities. The event also donated 4,800 fresh eggs to the students and local residents, along with books for the school and art supplies for the children.
Gina Medina, MHS Business Director for South and Southeast Asia at Cargill, explained the significance of the campaign: “The Green Egg Campaign promotes poultry eggs as an excellent source of protein, while also raising awareness among students and the local community about their nutritional value. With the support of industry partners, Cargill is advancing sustainable poultry egg production, contributing to the fight against hunger and nutritional challenges, and helping ensure food security.”
A long-term commitment to community development
Since entering the Vietnamese market in 1995, the company has maintained a long-term commitment to positively impacting local communities.
Through the “She Thrives” project, Cargill remains determined to address the urgent needs of farmers, women, and ethnic minorities. By empowering farmers and promoting sustainable practices, Cargill not only supports local economic development but also helps build a secure, healthy, and sustainable future for everyone. The “Eggs for Kids” event further reinforces Cargill’s dedication to continually supporting Vietnamese students.
Alongside its initiatives to assist ethnic minorities and promote children’s health, Cargill has demonstrated an enduring commitment to education in Vietnam. Since 1996, the company has built numerous schools in remote areas, contributing to the improved quality of life for children and local residents. With the goal of constructing 150 schools nationwide by 2030, Cargill is gradually realizing the dream of creating better learning environments for future generations.
