Hot off the press - Ahiflower® announced as an Official Nominee for the 2024 Earthshot Prize
In the pursuit of sustainable solutions to our planet's most pressing challenges, recognition is a powerful catalyst for change. It's with great appreciation and a deep sense of responsibility that Natures Crops International’s (NCI) plant derived source of omega 3’s - Ahiflower® has been selected as an official nominee for the 2024 Earthshot Prize. This prestigious nomination not only validates NCI’s commitment to environmental stewardship with Ahiflower, but also speaks to the transformative potential of regenerative agriculture in mitigating climate change.
At NCI, we've long understood the vital role that innovative agricultural practices can play in building a more sustainable future. Ahiflower, one of our flagship crops, embodies this ethos through its unique blend of environmental benefits, essential nutritional value, and economic impact. Derived from the seeds of the Buglossoides arvensis plant, Ahiflower represents a paradigm shift in plant-based oils, offering a superior omega 3 alternative to traditional sources such as flaxseed and fish oil.
What sets Ahiflower apart is its remarkable sustainability profile. Unlike many conventional crops, Ahiflower requires minimal inputs such as water and fertilizer and is no-till farmed, making it inherently eco-friendly. Moreover, it leaves a small carbon footprint, sequestering carbon from the atmosphere and enriching the soils organic matter. By embracing the principles of regenerative agriculture, Ahiflower not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also promotes soil health, pollinator habitat and biodiversity, thus contributing to the overall resilience of our ecosystems.
Ahiflower's nomination for the Earthshot Prize comes with great honor. Presided by Prince William and a distinguished panel of global leaders, the Earthshot Prize seeks to incentivize bold solutions to the world's most urgent environmental challenges. As a nominee, Ahiflower joins the ranks of visionary projects striving to achieve the Prize's ambitious objectives, including protecting and restoring nature, cleaning the air, reviving oceans, and building a waste-free world.
For Ahiflower, this nomination represents an opportunity to amplify its impact on a global scale—joining up land, ocean, and personal regeneration in a virtuous circle. By gaining recognition from the Earthshot Prize, Ahiflower can access a vast network of resources, expertise, and support, enabling it to accelerate its mission of sustainability and scale its operations for maximum effectiveness.
Beyond this, the true measure of Ahiflower's success lies in its ability to affect tangible change on the ground. As it continues to expand its cultivation, Ahiflower requires farmers to embrace regenerative practices, provides diversification of their income streams, and enhanced resilience against the uncertainties of climate change. Simultaneously, Ahiflower meets the growing demand for sustainable, plant-based omega 3 alternatives in industries ranging from food and nutrition to cosmetics and pet wellness products, thus paving the way for a more sustainable future.
NCI is honored that Ahiflower is an official nominee for this award, recognizing its pivotal role in catalyzing positive environmental change. Through its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and collaboration, Ahiflower embodies the spirit of the Earthshot Prize, inspiring action towards a brighter, more sustainable future for our planet.
The Earthshot Prize Award Ceremony will be held in November 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.