‘Road to Regen’ to Nurture Innovation, Sustainability & Collaboration for a Regenerative Future

Entrepreneurship enabler Good Life X recently launched its ‘Road to Regen’ Accelerator Programme, which aims to empower Agri and Food startups. Randhula De Silva, Founder and CEO of Good Life X, takes us through the tailored guidance, international exposure, and ongoing support, which is part of the programme that aims to foster economic  growth and inspire a collective mindset of regeneration and collaboration.

In a world where sustainability is increasingly grabbing headlines, Good Life X (GLX) is going further with their regenerative business models and practices. At the forefront of the group’s latest initiative is the Road to Regen Accelerator programme, a three-month journey that focuses on agri and food startups committed to sustainable and regenerative practices.

Of the nearly 100 applications received, six companies were carefully selected to participate in this transformative experience. Each of these companies has passionately embraced the concept of regeneration in its unique ways, Randhula De Silva, Founder/CEO of Good Life X, tells us in an interview at their office.

These six companies have all done exceptionally well throughout the program and taken all expert advice into consideration when pursuing their future goals, mentioned Christina Gunasinghe, Programme Director, Road to Regen.

Among the remarkable companies in the programme is a company devoted to wild-grown coffee, a vanilla farm pushing the bar with different harvesting methods, a millennial parent duo making organic cookie snacks for children, and a herbal care industries company crafting aloe based cosmetics. Additionally, the project also includes two farms, the Midigama Fruit Farm in the south and iGrow in Mullaitivu in the east, dedicated to regenerative farming practices and imparting their wisdom to local farmers.

The companies have benefited from one-on-one guidance from experts like Arj Wignaraja and Priyadarshini Karunaratne among many others. Solutions were provided to address specific challenges identified at the programme’s outset, and each company received tailored support, ensuring their unique needs were met.

UNLOCKING GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES

An integral aspect of the programme was international exposure. De Silva explains that Good Life X collaborated with international market access experts to identify lucrative markets for each company’s unique products. Rather than following traditional routes, they explored alternative markets and methods to connect with buyers, primarily in the B2B space. The companies received invaluable feedback on adapting their packaging and products to meet the global consumer’s demands. Offering an international perspective broadened their horizons and provided them with a competitive edge to stand tall against regional competition.

IMPACT BEYOND MEASURE

The Road to Regen Accelerator Programme is not just a stepping stone for these companies; De Silva says it’s a lifelong partnership, one that goes beyond the programme’s completion. She adds that the organization will continue working with these companies, offering peer support, market access, and strategic partner matchmaking.

Good Life X’s growing alumni network, consisting of 125 entrepreneurs, provides a strong support system for those who share the values of regeneration and sustainability.

The impact of programmes like Road to Regen extends beyond economic growth, De Silva says, adding that it aims to inspire a positive and collective mindset where they build innovative solutions, and work together collaboratively. A view echoed by the programme’s chosen entrepreneurs, seeking to empower not only themselves but also the communities within their supply chains.

De Silva noted that many companies are multi-generational, passing down their resilience and commitment to regeneration. Stories such as these serve as powerful examples of individuals working together to carry the regenerative message into the future and foster a landscape that is sustainable for the nation.

She emphasized two critical points when asked about the key takeaway for these budding companies.

“Firstly, what got us here won’t get us there. So they really have to change how they solve problems and do work, which is why we push the envelope on regeneration quite a lot,” she says.

” …if they choose that path, they’re not alone. It’s not going to be easy for the first few years, but they’re not going to be alone. The regenerative path gives results not in the short run, but in the medium and long run. So, you have to really be committed to bite the bullet and hold your fort. And if you do, you’re in for the win and you will not be alone.”

Silva explained, that the focus on regeneration and collaboration becomes the cornerstone for future success and sustenance of the companies.

EMBRACING REGENERATION

For the Good Life X team, regeneration is not just a buzzword; it’s a way of life. The organization is dedicated to enabling companies understand the essence of giving back more than they take. By adopting this mindset, the group is convinced that entrepreneurs can thrive and contribute to the economy, their communities, their nation, and the world at large.

The Road to Regen Accelerator Programme is not only a change amid the country’s present challenges; it also represents a transformational journey poised to reshape the entrepreneurial landscape.

The Road to Regen Programme is supported by the ‘Support to Small and Medium Enterprises in the Organic Agriculture Sector’ Programme, jointly co-financed by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), implemented by GIZ Sri Lanka.

Locally sourced handcrafted snacks for babies and toddlers

Combining traditional Sri Lankan rice, oats, cereals, fruits and vegetables sourced from local farmers with local butter, peanut butter, cheese and eggs that are free from growth promoters, preservatives or artificial colors and flavours, this SME aims to be the go to for all parents conscious about the snacks their children consume during their formative years.

Emphasizing on the value of collaborating with local suppliers, Andrea Alex, Co-Founder, Posha Crunch, said it enabled them to access high-quality organic ingredients and enhanced the traceability of their supply chain, allowing for monitoring the journey of ingredients from farm to production.

Furthermore, the organization, recognizing the diverse tastes and preferences of international consumers, is looking to diversify their product offerings. “This includes developing new flavours and product formats that align with global preferences. To gain access to international markets, it’s crucial to meet the stringent organic standards and certifications that are recognized globally. And that’s where GLX comes in,” she remarked.

“The GLX Road to Regen emphasizes sustainable and regenerative practices. Posha Crunch has incorporated these principles into its brand expansion by developing an organic range and prioritizing sustainable sourcing of organic ingredients and implementing eco-friendly packaging solutions. Our commitment to regenerative agriculture aligns with the GLX framework, ensuring that our brand’s growth is environmentally responsible,” said Hiruda Paulis, Co-founder of Posha Crunch.

“The GLX framework promotes holistic well-being and healthy living. Posha Crunch’s brand expansion places a strong emphasis on creating nutritious snacks, especially for children, that will address dietary requirements of being gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free and vegan aligning with GLX’s commitment to promoting health-conscious products and practices,” Alex chimed in.

“I’d say the GLX Road to Regen has served as a guiding framework for Posha Crunch’s brand expansion, shaping its goals and strategies to prioritize sustainability, community engagement, health, and a global perspective,” she added.

Posha Crunch intends to launch educational initiatives and resources for parents and caregivers. This will include informative content and partnerships with paediatric nutrition experts to provide guidance on healthy toddler nutrition.

The brand also intends to engage with parents and caregivers through social media, online communities, and local events to create a supportive network where they can share experiences, tips, and recipes related to toddler nutrition.

The coffee revolution from the hills

Pioneering the fourth wave of coffee in Sri Lanka from inside a bungalow in Nuwara Eliya, Blackpool Coffee bridges the gap between source to sip, in its one of a kind coffee experiences.

“We welcome our customers to our historic bungalow, or ‘experience centre’ in Nuwara Eliya, to sit down with our farmers and spend some time understanding the people behind the cup of coffee,” Asitha Jayasinghe, Founder/MD said when asked about the Blackpool Coffee’s unique selling point.

“Through these distinct experiences, we build a worthwhile relationship and add experiential notes to the coffee they may carry with them, across the world. Our marketing doesn’t stop there, as our customers do due lip service to the uniqueness of our experiences,” he said.

“We think of each customer that walks through our doors to taste our coffee and takes part in our experiences, as  converts of the fourth wave.”

THE TECH JOURNEY

As technology plays a major role in nurturing any long lasting relationship in this day and age, Blackpool’s incorporation of technology is meant to foster their customer relationships from various corners of the world. “With GLX, we have built a blockchain system which connects the coffee farmers to any roastery or shop in the world, which we started with 3 farmers, and now we have 36 registered farmers,” Jayasinghe said.

The company plans to connect farmers directly with roasters and consumers in the future, and even take this system island wide with the Export Agriculture Department’s database of farmers across the island.

“Working with GLX also enabled us to realize the benefits of working with regenerative models of farming. For example, if a farmer of ours has one acre of land, they are able to have seven different crops and even have a harvest of seven acres from one acre of land. It’s a fairly good income-generative model for our farmers.”

The new wave of consumerism, particularly the niche Blackpool Coffee’s target market, are conscious consumers who prefer to be marketed with regenerative coffee cultivation products, over organic farming, as it greatly benefits farmers.

“Sri Lanka is a unique hub to cater to the global coffee market and consumers who are living in the third wave. Some of the biggest groups of tourists who come in yearly to Sri Lanka are from Europe, and most of them are coffee drinkers. Incorporating this tourism aspect, we are looking forward to developing coffee trails, networking coffee farmers with the tourists, so that the tourists go to different farms and taste their own coffee, and even directly order from those exact farmers they meet during the trail.”

Sustainable farming through traditional agroecology

Taking the agroecological concept of the multi-cropping system, Midigama Fruit Farm combines the quaint, traditional farming method with the broader strokes of sustainable agriculture. Located down south, Midigama, the farm aims to influence more than one aspect of the sustainability value chain, by inculcating fair labour practices, conserving the environment, building supply chain linkages with small holdings enterprises, and building food security.

According to Midigama Fruit Farm(MFF)’s Co-Founder, Chathura Udayanga, sustainability is about utilizing resources at the most minimum scale. “We deliver our fruits within a 24 km radius, so that we are on par with our belief of minimum carbon emissions. We are actively uplifting the social well-being of the village people, as our workforce of ten employees are all villagers from Midigama themselves,” he told Echelon.

“From the outside looking in, we are a localized village based economy supporting smallholders and labourers, while also addressing the issue of food security.”

THE ECOLOGY  JOURNEY

“GLX has helped a lot in terms of capacity building, I think it’s a twofold benefit for us, in terms of redressing our skills gap, as well as building competencies through connecting with consultants,” Udayanga said, going over the changes MFF has undergone in the past few months.

“I’m not from an entrepreneurial background myself,” he claimed, noting the journey with GLX’s Road to Regen programme enabled him to better understand that he didn’t have the most fully fledged knowledge of finance and marketing.

“I used to think that having a marvellous product alone was enough for it to sell, he remarked. “Through the guidance of GLX’s resource people, I now understand the value in communicating broad based concepts like sustainability to consumers.”

As an ecological fruit farm MFF has always kept a count of the varieties of trees and flora on the farm, however, Udayanga claimed that he had not been able to survey the fauna on the farm, which are vital to its ecosystem. “Through the programme’s financial support we were able to do an ecological survey and found fifteen butterfly species on the farm, of which two were endangered species. We look forward to developing a deep ecology programme for school children in the future,” he enthused.

“It’s a shame that the southern region, a region with dry, intermediate and wet zones is not known beyond the beaches, sun and sand. The region has the most diverse basket of fruit in Sri Lanka. Twenty years from now I want to come across a tourist who’s coming in from California, to the southern region, to taste from the world’s most diverse fruit basket,” Udayanga proudly stated.

Dev’s Plantations revolutionizes vanilla production with unique techniques

Jayantha De Silva’s dedication to producing exceptional vanilla at Dev’s Plantations was ignited by a study warning against artificial vanilla’s harm. With the support of GLX, they pushed boundaries in growing and curing techniques, striving for excellence. Their growing international presence, especially in Europe, is testament to their commitment to excellence and innovation.

In the early 2000s, Jayantha De Silva stumbled upon a study cautioning against the harmful effects of artificial vanilla. This revelation stayed with him as he embarked on a journey to create the finest, high-quality vanilla available in his part of the world.

De Silva believes that what sets Dev’s Plantations apart is the practice of curing vanilla beans on the vine during their ripest stage. This unique approach produces distinct balsamic notes that synthetic extracts cannot replicate.

He explained his process, saying, “After 9 months of the bean sitting on the vine and turning yellowish from the bottom tip, that’s when I start harvesting.” During this ripened stage, natural sugar, known as “glucovanillin,” develops and eventually transforms into glucose and vanilla during the fermentation process. This separation of oils from the natural extract imparts the timeless and highly sought-after fragrance to the beans.

De Silva also credited GLX for their substantial support in enabling Dev’s Plantation to innovate further in growing and curing vanilla. Through the Road to Regen programme, they initiated an Experimental Development Plan. They grew vanilla vines over various agricultural produce on a minimal plot of land, adhering to regenerative principles.

“On eight plots of land, Dev’s Plantation, with GLX’s resources and knowledge, cultivated vines over charcoal, coconut husk, and fish tonic to determine the best combination for maximizing vanilla bean harvest,” he noted. They are also experimenting with drip irrigation versus traditional sprinklers and mist sprinklers.

De Silva mentioned that a majority of Dev’s Plantation’s international customers hail from Europe, particularly France, Germany, and Czechoslovakia. He also shared a recent encounter where a customer, after visiting his farm following the Road to Regen community event, requested 100 kilos of vanilla beans in six months. This has raised their expectations for more such orders in the future.

He works along with 132 small farmer circles with the intention of bringing their lives to betterment . Further he foresees that vanilla, the queen among orchids, can be a major shareholder of the national economy as 6 districts of Sri Lanka are highly suited for vanilla cultivation.

Rediscovering Ancient Wellness: Herbal Care Industries ‘ Journey of Heritage and Innovation

In a world increasingly showing value for Mother Nature, Herbal Care Industries, founded by Mr Suraj Perera together with his team is thriving towards a holistic approach, indulging a blissful life for all. Their alluring botanical regime of wellness infused with traditionally used and scientifically proven local herbal elixirs, blends ancient wisdom and modern research driven knowledge. This premium range consists of nutraceuticals , cosmeceuticals as well as pharmaceuticals which ensure affordable, overall wellbeing for the entire family. The journey of Herbal Care Industries is a testament to the timeless wisdom passed down through generations, which still resonates with wellness enthusiasts around the globe. Through Herbal Care Industries, they have embarked on a mission to revisit the ancient insights of traditional medicine, crafting a range of natural products that honor Sri Lanka’s rich wellness heritage.

Dr Wanasekara speaks with much responsibility, emphasizing their commitment to rekindling a sense of gratitude towards Mother Nature, much like their ancestors. Herbal Care Industries proudly stands as a Natural Products SME, rooted in Sri Lankan culture and tradition, amidst the burgeoning global wellness movement, fueled by the reach of social media.

“We have undertaken a successful mission to recreate a range of promising and luxurious natural products, all of the highest quality and safety standards, derived from Sri Lankan herbal ingredients. Herbal Care Industries isn’t merely a business venture; driven by principles that prioritize the well-being of the planet, people and profit, we have set our sights on establishing an ethical and sustainable enterprise that adds value to every stakeholder across the supply chain’’.

Their transformative journey took an accelerated turn with the GLX Road to Regen Accelerator programme. Dr Wanasekara shares how the initiative empowered and inspired, especially Sudeep Wadusinghe, representing the new generation of Herbal Care Industries by introducing GLX’s newest model, ‘Thrive Business Model Canvas.’ She emphasizes, “they took us on a noble journey, enriching our minds with the wisdom of regenerative, inclusive, agile, and abundant concepts. The veteran GLX team built an admirable rapport with us and successfully recalibrated Herbal Care Industries, leveraging their expertise to reshape and redefine our venture, setting a new roadmap for our mission of wellness, heritage, and innovation.

The path was challenging, but Dr. Wanasekara recalls the great achievements with the team spirit of all enduring participants who motivated each other, bonded as one family towards a ‘’Go Green’’ lifetime partnership. Herbal Care Industries acknowledges the invaluable insights, encouragement and the excellent networking of “GLX’s Rockstar team. Looking forward to teaming up and experiencing the joy of creating the good life with you!”

iGrow: Bridging Tradition and Technology for Sustainable Farming

In the resilient heart of Mullaitivu, where nature has triumphed over the scars of a 26-year civil war, Aninilavan Puvanesan, known affectionately as Ani, has sown the seeds of change. His agricultural startup, “iGrow,” is not just about farming; it’s a testament to the transformative power of technology in healing communities. Born from the necessity of restoring a war-torn landscape to prosperity, iGrow is on a mission to combat food crises and foster sustainable agricultural practices.

THE JOURNEY

Ani’s journey to establishing a successful agri-tech startup in the Northern Province was anything but smooth. Starting with 12 acres of land, he faced initial failures and realized the need for a new approach. Drawing wisdom from the local farming community, including his parents and grandparents, Ani learned about the rich tradition of agriculture, blending the old ways with modern technology.

iGrow’s initial focus was on data analytics, soil measurement, and smart irrigation, addressing the pressing challenges of water scarcity and labour inefficiency in the arid Mullaitivu region. By integrating technology into agriculture, Ani sought to bridge the gap between tradition and innovation, combining the wisdom of the past with the opportunities of the future.

EMBRACING ORGANIC PRACTICES

Ani’s commitment to tradition goes beyond technology; it extends to embracing organic farming practices. Ani believes in the enduring value of tradition. iGrow’s approach seeks to build a bridge between the old and the new, recognizing the importance of both. By marrying organic practices with modern innovations, iGrow aims to achieve greater efficiency and sustainability in agriculture.

INFLUENCE OF THE GLX ROAD TO REGEN PROGRAMME

The GLX Road to Regen programme played a pivotal role in shaping iGrow’s approach to training and supporting local farmers. Ani describes regeneration, as a concept that initially eluded him. However, through the programme, he gained a profound understanding of how regenerative practices are deeply rooted in nature and can be harnessed to transform agriculture.

iGrow’s participation in the programme revealed untapped potential and a newfound commitment to working with the farming community. It led to the development of a training programme for local farmers, fostering an inclusive approach that breaks down barriers and connects people through agriculture.

THE FUTURE OF iGROW :

Looking ahead, iGrow is expanding its technological capabilities, particularly in AI, to enhance irrigation solutions and increase efficiency. Ani emphasizes the importance of developing technology tailored to Sri Lanka’s diverse geographic regions, rather than importing solutions from abroad. The goal is to create an AI-driven bridge that connects farmers across the country, irrespective of borders.

However, iGrow’s vision is deeply rooted in community development. The organization is actively building hubs and training centers to empower grassroot farmers with the knowledge and tools to embrace both technology and tradition. Ani’s mission is to transform farming practices, not just in Mullaitivu but across Sri Lanka, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for the agricultural sector.