In a strategic move poised to reshape the landscape of agricultural cooperatives across Asia, Heifer International and the International Cooperative Alliance Asia and Pacific (ICA-AP) have entered into a wide-ranging partnership aimed at bolstering climate-resilient, inclusive food systems. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed at ICA-AP’s regional headquarters in New Delhi, marks a pivotal collaboration between two of the most influential players in the region’s agricultural and cooperative sectors.

Formalized under the ICA–EU Financial Framework Partnership Agreement Phase 2, the agreement brings together Heifer’s field-based expertise in sustainable agriculture and ICA-AP’s vast cooperative network to advance the shared goal of empowering smallholder farmers—particularly women and youth—through systems change. The MoU’s overarching focus is to amplify cooperative-led development, promote nature-positive farming, and elevate the voice of producers as frontline leaders in food system transformation.

“This agreement reinforces our belief that agricultural cooperatives are not just economic units—they’re engines of empowerment,” said Neena Joshi, Senior Vice President, Asia Programs, Heifer International. “When farmers, especially women, organize under a shared mission, they unlock influence, build resilience, and gain access to new opportunities. Together with ICA-AP, we’re committed to building the enabling environments they need to lead Asia’s food future.”

The partnership outlines an ambitious agenda that includes strengthening the enabling environment for cooperatives through policy engagement and institutional support, promoting inclusive governance and social capital development, scaling regenerative and climate-smart agricultural practices, investing in data systems and knowledge-sharing platforms, mobilizing aligned resources for large-scale development, and leveraging storytelling to elevate grassroots impact and innovation.

“ICA-AP has long championed the cause of the marginalized—particularly the smallholder farmers who rely on cooperatives for access to quality inputs and collective strength,” said Dr. Chandrapal Singh Yadav, President, ICA Asia and Pacific. “This partnership with Heifer is a powerful affirmation of our mutual vision: to foster sustainable, community-led solutions that bring lasting prosperity across the region.”

A key initiative under the MoU is the launch of a pan-Asia campaign titled “Seeding Strength: Empowering Farmer Cooperatives,” aligned with the United Nations’ International Year of Cooperatives 2025. Set to roll out across India, Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Nepal, the campaign will spotlight farmer-led success stories—showcasing how cooperative structures are unlocking living incomes, ecological stewardship, and economic inclusion.

“This campaign is about visibility and voice—two things smallholder farmers in Asia rarely receive at scale,” said Gurpreet K Bhatia, Regional Communications Director – Asia, Heifer International. “With ‘Seeding Strength,’ we are telling the world what happens when farmers lead: food systems transform.”

The MoU signing was attended by leaders from both organizations, including Joshi, Bhatia, and Rina Soni, Country Director of Passing Gifts Pvt. Ltd. (a Heifer subsidiary), alongside Savitri Singh, Deputy Chief Executive of the National Cooperative Union of India, and senior ICA-AP representatives.

As climate volatility, rural inequality, and food insecurity continue to challenge the Asia-Pacific region, this partnership between Heifer International and ICA-AP offers a bold and actionable blueprint for inclusive, cooperative-driven agricultural transformation.