Who we are
The Sustainable Agriculture Foundation (SAF), formerly SFSA, builds on a 40-year legacy of transforming smallholder agriculture in Asia and Africa, focusing on climate-smart innovations, market access, and sustainable practices.
The Sustainable Agriculture Foundation (SAF) transforms smallholder agriculture in Asia and Africa by improving farmer incomes, food security, and climate resilience. Building on the legacy of the Syngenta Foundation, SAF fosters innovation, empowers agri-entrepreneurs, and bridges gaps in research, technology, and market access. Through partnerships, SAF promotes inclusive growth and sustainable practices, creating thriving communities where agriculture, people, and nature coexist.
Our Mission & Vision
Our Mission
Scaling up collective action on markets and innovations so that farming can better serve smallholder families, rural communities, and nature.
Our Vision
A world where smallholders, communities, and nature thrive together
Our values
We inspire sustainable growth from the ground up.
Passion
Drive to achieve our vision and create sustainable impact is at the heart of all we do.
Innovation
We invest in and enable innovations for long term impact, that help smallholders prosper and thrive in a sustainable and resilient way. Agility and an entrepreneurial mindset are crucial here.
Integrity
Ethics, safety and compliance are core to the way we operate. Our practices prioritize community welfare, sustainability, and unbiased decision-making in agricultural development.
Respect and Growth for All
We embrace a diverse and inclusive culture in our teams and programs that encourages opportunities for all, notably women, and respects diverse opinions and abilities.
Collaborative Spirit
Our work in partnership and programs is based on trust and transparency.
Reliability
We earn trust by delivering on our commitments and creating value for our beneficiaries.
Our Strategy
SAF’s strategy centers on enhancing productivity and market access for “pre-commercial” smallholder farmers, primarily in semi-arid areas with agricultural growth potential. Key focuses include advancing scientific knowledge, providing quality inputs, and establishing market linkages. Major factors shaping SAF’s work include rapid urbanization, rising food demand, climate change, and the role of innovative technologies in sustainable agriculture. Strategic updates emphasize climate adaptation, empowering women, introducing scalable innovations, and fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships. By 2025, SAF aims to improve income by at least 20% for five million smallholder families, advance gender equality, support youth involvement, enhance nutrition and food security, and build resilience against climate change.