Corporación Acción Semilla

Collecting and transforming organic waste into fertiliser
2018 SEED Low Carbon Awards; IKI BMU
Waste Management
Marinilla
Colombia

Corporación Acción Semilla has developed an effective way to collect organic waste and incorporate this waste into its sustainable agricultural practices. In doing so, it closes the gap between large producers of organic waste within the landscaping and foodservice sectors and local farms in need of affordable fertilizers.

The enterprise provides educational trainings to local smallholder farmers, client companies, municipalities and schools on waste management and organic composting methods. It collaborates with local associations to ensure the empowerment of farming communities.

Eco-Inclusive Impacts
Corporación Acción Semilla empowers rural and urban smallholders, reduces food waste and promotes organic farming and helps farmers and waste management workers to generate reliable income.
  • Collaborates with associations to empower rural smallholders and urban agriculture on climate change adaptation and mitigation, waste management, food security and sectoral development.
  • Targets local women for agricultural training programmes and production processes.
  • Collected 2,500kg food industry waste and 60m3 organic landscaping waste.
  • Enriched 8000m² of rural farmland with organic compost.
  • Trained 3 farming communities on organic composting techniques and educated corporations, health providers, schools and municipalities on waste management.
  • Allows local farmers to access affordable, sustainable fertilizers for their agricultural activities.
  • Generates income for employees involved as waste collectors and processors.
  • Provides three companies with cost-effective waste management services.                

Partners

Corporación Acción Semilla collects organic waste from its foodservice industry and landscaping services clients and converts this waste into a fertiliser for agricultural activities at local, smallholder farms. The enterprise charges clients a fee for its services and earns profits from the sale of crops and compost.

Corporación GAIA supports the enterprise with business development, services & products for consumption.

Conexión Agroambiental assists the enterprise with commercial support and market access.