Semilla Nueva Logo
Semilla Nueva Logo

Semilla Nueva

Geography:

GUATEMALA

Type:

GRANT

Mission

Fighting malnutrition and poverty by producing biofortified corn.

The Problem

Guatemala has one of the highest rates of child malnutrition globally—nearly half of children show signs of stunted growth from lack of nutrients. Across developing regions, 1.2 billion people rely on maize as a dietary staple but consume varieties with low nutritional value, leading to persistent malnutrition and poor health outcomes. Malnutrition can often be found among smallholder farmers who often grow just enough food to feed their families, limiting economic mobility and poor nutrition. The poorest populations are often smallholder corn farmers who only grow enough corn to feed their families and lack access to improved seeds that could double their yields and raise their incomes and improve health outcomes. Maize’s popularity and affordability trap entire populations in nutritional poverty, as typical seeds lack key vitamins and minerals.

farmer in cornfield
farmer in cornfield

The Solution

Semilla Nueva works at the intersection of agriculture and nutrition to fight malnutrition from the ground up—starting with a better seed.

Its approach centers on biofortified corn: naturally bred to contain higher levels of zinc, iron, and protein. By distributing these seeds to local farmers, Semilla Nueva enables families to grow, eat, and sell more nutritious food—without changing their diets or behaviors.

Key elements of the model include:

  • High-nutrient corn seed production and distribution through local farmer networks

  • Farmer training and technical assistance to improve crop adoption and yield

  • Partnerships with government agencies to influence national seed systems

  • Market-based pricing to make seeds affordable and scalable

  • Evidence-based monitoring to track health and income outcomes


Defined Outcomes and Impact: 

Semilla Nueva uses rigorous measurement and randomized control trials to assess impact. Recent outcomes include:

  • 54,000+ people reached through biofortified corn adoption

  • Up to 80% increase in zinc and protein intake for consuming families

  • Over 4,000 farming families equipped with high-yielding, nutritious seeds

  • 18% average increase in crop productivity

  • $1.59 per person average cost to deliver improved nutrition

farmers shake hands over bag of corn
farmers shake hands over bag of corn

How to Support

To learn more or contribute, email us at impact@uicharitable.org, and we can help you support this organization through your UI Charitable Donor-Advised Fund.

How to Support

To learn more or contribute, email us at impact@uicharitable.org, and we can help you support this organization through your UI Charitable Donor-Advised Fund.

Other Vetted Organizations

(385) 286-5900

support@uicharitable.org

3507 N University Ave
Suite 125
Provo, UT 84604

©2020-2024 UI Ventures LLC, DBA UI Charitable Advisors. All Rights Reserved.
Portions © 2018-2024 University Impact. All rights reserved.
University Impact is recognized as a tax-exempt public charity as described in Sections
501(c)(3), 509(a)(1), and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) of the Internal Revenue Code. EIN # 82-1504018

(385) 286-5900

support@uicharitable.org

3507 N University Ave
Suite 125
Provo, UT 84604

©2020-2024 UI Ventures LLC, DBA UI Charitable Advisors. All Rights Reserved.
Portions © 2018-2024 University Impact. All rights reserved.
University Impact is recognized as a tax-exempt public charity as described in Sections
501(c)(3), 509(a)(1), and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) of the Internal Revenue Code. EIN # 82-1504018