A New Chapter: Grow Ahead Transitions to the Community Agroecology Network (CAN)
After years of working alongside incredible partners, Grow Ahead will be closing down as an independent platform and shifting our operations to the Community Agroecology Network (CAN).
This transition marks not an ending, but an evolution that allows our mission to grow deeper roots and create even more lasting impact.
Reflecting on What We’ve Built Together
Since 2017, Grow Ahead has partnered with dozens of organizations and planted over 1 million trees in agroforestry systems. Importantly, Grow Ahead’s programming has supported training and capacity building for organizations representing thousands of farmers, creating a foundation for impactful work well into the future. Together, we’ve supported agroecological initiatives, strengthened local food systems, and helped amplify the voices and leadership of farmers. These partnerships have been the heart of our work and they will continue to inspire what comes next.
We are profoundly grateful for the journey we’ve shared with our community. From generous donors to dedicated farmer organizations across the globe, Grow Ahead has always been powered by collaboration, trust, and a shared belief in farmer-led solutions to rural poverty and climate change.
Why This Shift Matters
Grow Ahead is shifting our funding and programming to support a new initiative focused on strengthening the long-term sustainability of youth-led work in agroecology and solidarity economies. Our contribution will support CAN’s collaboration with RIAC-Joven to co-create a Solidarity Revolving Loan Fund, a fund that will be collectively governed by and with youth.
RIAC-Joven youth are deeply committed to building food sovereignty in their home territories. Their work includes recuperating native seeds, reintroducing native pollinators, and producing artisanal fertilizers and poultry feed. Each of these efforts plays a vital role in reviving local food economies.
This new Fund will act as a catalyst fueling and being regenerated by the solidarity economy initiatives already underway. It represents a powerful model of community-led, youth-driven development rooted in agroecological principles.
Looking Ahead
The collaboration between Grow Ahead, CAN, and RIAC-Joven affirms a long-term commitment to co-creating agroecological futures that will be nurtured for generations and deliver lasting impact in small farming communities.
While the Grow Ahead chapter is coming to a close, the work continues, stronger, more connected, and more sustainable than ever.
We invite you to join us in this next phase by following and supporting the work at CAN. Please make a donation today in support of this important work. You can also sign up to CAN’s newsletter and follow their Instagram account to stay up to date with all their activities.