The mission of SALT International is to be a catalyst for economic, social, and spiritual transformation by establishing and supporting sustainable agri-businesses in lesser developed nations.

Background

The operation in Laos was started in 1995 under the name of Natural Products International, Inc. (NPI, Inc.). The first step was to set up a feed mill and teach over 1,000 farming families to grow soybeans. For many of these families, soybeans represent their first cash crop, which in some cases nearly doubles their annual income.

The model in Laos has gradually expanded to include selling seed soybeans, buying the harvest from the family farmers, processing the soybeans into animal feed and oil, and selling the feed. In addition, NPI, Inc. has set up a hen house for egg production, and is working to establish two or three farmer-owned layer farms in the area.

Corn-Soy Blend

In 2005, we set up a second mill to make human food using locally grown soybeans, rice and corn. This is the most profitable of all processing, but requires a great deal of training, and more expensive equipment. However, we recognize it as the most dramatic way to impact a region's ability to feed itself, and is the surest way to ensure profitability and sustainability.

Currently, we are producing corn-soy blend (CSB). With the new equipment, plans are to develop other human foods and higher-valued animal feed, such as floating fish feed, for selling into local markets, and for export to China and Thailand.

SALT International

In 2006, SALT International was established to take the learnings from Laos and apply them in other poor countries. We are currently planning an expansion within the country of Laos. In addition, we are considering establishing operations in South Africa, Myanmar, Bangladesh, or East Timor.