Good Life X, GIZ and EU spark innovation in Sri Lanka’s agribusiness through ‘Road to Regen’ Accelerator Program

The Road to Regen Program team and six entrepreneurs at the conclusion of the program

 The audience engaged in the immersive experience delivered at the Demo Day

Good Life X Founder CEO Randhula de Silva speaking at the Road to Regen Demo Day

Good Life X Program Director Christina Gunasinghe speaking at the Road to Regen Demo Day

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

Road to Regen interchange community event: A celebration of innovation and regeneration

The Road to Regen accelerator program has set the stage for a transformation in small-scale food and agribusinesses, propelling them towards global competitiveness, future resilience, and a core commitment to regeneration. The event welcomed 120+ attendees and shone a spotlight on six [06] meticulously chosen companies, each exemplifying a dedication to sustainability and excellence in their respective fields.

The program participants received expert advice and guidance from Business Diagnostics Expert Arj Wignaraja, Agriculture Expert Anuradha Ranasinghe, Financial Expert Savan Perera, Systems & Processes Experts Vihangun Ariyaratne and Vindhya Gunawardane, Digital Strategy Expert Niranka Perera, Technology Innovation Experts Kapila Weeratunga and Sharmilan Somasundaram, Pitch Coach Dhananjaya Hettiarachchi, Market Access Expert Bert Jan Ottens, Thrive BMC Business Fundamentals/Pitch Coaching Expert Randhula De Silva and Commercial Operations/F&B Expert Priyadharshinie Karunaratne who guided the founders to adapt more regenerative and sustainable business practices as they progressed to the conclusion of the program. 

Featured Agribusinesses

•  Blackpool Coffee: From the heart of Nuwara Eliya, Blackpool Coffee rekindles the legacy of premium Ceylon coffee blends.

Speaking at the Interchange Community Event, Entrepreneur Asitha Jayasinghe of Blackpool Coffee stated: “Regeneration can come only through a change of heart in the individual. And the daily coffee intake of an individual will directly enhance their capacity for self-development of themselves. We are glad that it was possible to introduce our products to a whole new market through the community event held at the Barefoot. It was seen that the audience visiting our stall was the perfect customers that our products seek, and we were able to have a good onsite sale and also built some solid relationships with customers for the long term. We thank the GLX team for organising and facilitating the event which helped our company at its best.” 

•  Midigama Fruit Farm: A beacon of biodiversity and ecological well-being, championing organic fruit farming.
• Dev’s Vanilla Plantation, Nursery, and Training Center: Pioneers in sustainable vanilla cultivation, driven by a commitment to the environment.
•  Posha Crunch: Crafting pioneering, wholesome snacks for babies and toddlers, sourced from local ingredients.

Speaking at the Demo Day, Posha Crunch Founder Andrea Alex, stated: “Having the opportunity to present our brand, Posha Crunch, on the Demo Day marked a pivotal moment in our journey. It offered us a platform to share our growth story within the Road to Regen program with individuals who deeply appreciate and embrace regenerative practices. The Demo Day became a stage where we could showcase our innovative products and our sustainable approaches to influential figures within our industry. This recognition and support reaffirmed that we are indeed on the right path to effecting meaningful change. The Demo Day event, meticulously organised by the GLX team, served as a profound eye-opener for us. It provided an incredible platform to demonstrate how our company and fellow participants have evolved since the inception of this program. It underscored that our mission goes beyond creating exceptional products; it’s about our positive impact on the planet. The Demo Day catalysed a transformation that has firmly established our business as a product excellence and sustainability leader.”

• iGrow Lanka: Spearheading sustainable, technology-driven cultivation and offering steadfast support to local farmers.
• Herbal Care Industries: Rediscovering ancient herbal wisdom for modern wellness products, bridging tradition and innovation.

Good Life X Program Director, Christina Gunasinghe, commented on the program’s success, stating: “These 6 companies have all done exceptionally well throughout the program and taken all expert advice into consideration when pursuing their future goals. We expect to see strong growth in these companies considering their talent, entrepreneurship, perseverance and collaborative efforts shown throughout these past 3 months.”

Avocado Toast and Climate Change

During his enlightening keynote address titled “Avocado Toast and Climate Change,” Rohan Pethiyagoda, delved into the far-reaching impacts of consumer preferences on biodiversity and climate change, emphasising the significance of adopting regenerative agricultural practices and prioritising local nutrition. Pethiyagoda’s address shed light on the interconnectedness of consumer choices and environmental well-being, offering valuable perspectives for a more sustainable future.

Pethiyagoda delved into today’s rapidly evolving agricultural landscape where regenerative agriculture stands out as a sustainable practice that aligns with our growing acceptance of technology, research, and modern farming methods. 

This evolving approach not only prioritises the health and safety of consumers, producers and the environment but also addresses key concerns surrounding the impact of pesticides and fertilisers on Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector. Regulatory measures have played a crucial role in shaping the way these chemicals are utilised, influencing farming practices for the better as well as providing better social outcomes. 

Moreover, understanding the prevailing health concerns in Sri Lanka, including prevalent issues such as heart disease and diabetes, allows for targeted interventions and improved public health outcomes.  Delving into dietary choices, the unspoken realities of vegan and vegetarian lifestyles are brought to light. While these diets are often lauded for their ethical and environmental benefits, it’s imperative to consider potential nutritional gaps and the need for balanced alternatives. 

Additionally,  on the keynote topic,  the surging demand for avocados, particularly among younger consumers, has inadvertently led to alarming rates of deforestation across tropical America. This phenomenon highlights the complex interplay between consumer preferences and environmental preservation. Looking back, the remarkable fact that we now live 35% longer than our counterparts in Sri Lanka, vs. 75 years ago in Sri Lanka is a testament to advancements in healthcare, nutrition, and overall quality of life. Identifying the pivotal factors contributing to this increase sheds light on the significance of universal healthcare, improved sanitation, and enhanced living standards. Ultimately, embracing regenerative agriculture as a core principle in modern farming practices is a crucial step towards a healthier, more sustainable world for generations to come.

Unveiling the Road to Regen Accelerator Program Demo Day: A vision for sustainable growth

In a significant stride towards sustainable economic growth, the ‘Road to Regen’ Accelerator program, concluded its four-month journey with a highly anticipated Demo Day. The event saw founders presenting their innovative projects and growth strategies to a diverse audience, including investors, partners, and collaborators.

The global reach of the Demo Day facilitated through a live-streaming platform, underscored the program’s forward-looking approach towards fostering regenerative practices in the agricultural sector. The participating companies spotlighted the invaluable support and expert guidance that propelled their commitment to sustainable business practices.

Esteemed Commercial Operations and F&B Expert Priyadharshinie Karunaratne commended the local businesses for their outstanding efforts in crafting products that can compete on a global stage. “Being a part of the Road to Regeneration program, I was amazed to witness the passion and knowledge in our local businesses in developing locally sourced products. Businesses like Blackpool Coffee from the hill country, Posha Crunch which offers home-style fun cooking and Herbal Care Industries, which are fusing traditional heritage and scientific knowledge, are inspiring efforts of our entrepreneurs in reaching the global arena. 

“Kudos to Good Life X for providing a facilitating platform in transforming these businesses to be a part of a Regenerative Food System, preserving and restoring natural resources which is an important aspect to the community and the environment.”