GoodSAM’s Direct Trade Model Secures $9M to Empower Smallholder Farmers

By Agroempresario.com

Regenerative and natural products company GoodSAM Foods has raised $9 million in a Series A funding round, bringing its total funding to $10.5 million. The investment was led by Bogotá-based Acumen Latam Impact (ALIVE) Ventures and US venture capital firm Desert Bloom. The funding will support team expansion, product development, and the continued growth of GoodSAM’s "direct trade" model with smallholder farmers.

GoodSAM’s direct trade approach bypasses middlemen—often associated with price manipulation—allowing the company to purchase products directly from farmers. This ensures that small-scale producers receive fairer wages while gaining direct access to international markets, a crucial factor for those engaged in regenerative agriculture.

Revolutionizing Regenerative Agriculture

"One of our primary goals is to become a reliable buyer for farmers cultivating in regenerative systems," said Greg Krupa, head of investor relations at GoodSAM. "Unlike the heavily petrochemical-dependent monocultures seen in the Midwest U.S., our farmers practice agroforestry, growing macadamia, avocado, plantain, mango, and beans in diverse ecosystems."

The company sources nuts, coffee, and fruit chips from Latin America and Africa. The participation of ALIVE Ventures and other Latin American investors, including the LATAM Impact Fund from Sonen Capital, PE firm FondodeFondos, impact investor Promotora Social Mexico, and the Peterffy Family Foundation’s One Small Planet, highlights the importance of regional support in scaling GoodSAM’s mission. Connecticut Innovations also contributed to the round.

"Having Latin American investors align with our vision has been humbling and deeply moving," said Heather K. Terry, CEO and founder of GoodSAM. "As an American company with a predominantly Latin American supply network, their support reinforces our commitment to empowering farmers."

A Call to Rethink Business Models for Regenerative Success

In a recent conversation with AgFunderNews, Terry emphasized that regenerative agriculture requires more than just shifting farming techniques or marketing products with a "regenerative" label.

"While consumers want to make ethical choices, the challenge lies in the traditional profit-driven business model. Companies prioritize short-term gains, and anything that doesn’t directly impact the bottom line is often cut when shareholder expectations aren’t met."

She further pointed out that farmers and brands disproportionately bear the costs of regenerative practices and third-party certifications, while brokers, distributors, and retailers demand compliance without sharing the financial burden.

"These stakeholders require certifications but don’t contribute to the cost or adjust their margins to support sustainable practices," she added. "This imbalance threatens the future of regenerative initiatives. If we want them to succeed, we must rethink our business models. The key question is: What are we willing to sacrifice for a sustainable food system and a thriving future?"

GoodSAM’s latest funding round signifies a growing commitment to transforming the food industry, ensuring fair trade, and fostering a regenerative economy that benefits both smallholder farmers and global consumers.