1000 Farms champions sustainable agriculture by seamlessly blending the wisdom of traditional farming methods with cutting-edge organic practices. This harmonious approach not only ensures the production of fresh, natural produce rich in nutrients but also minimizes farming’s environmental footprint. Crucially, it aids in conserving vital resources such as fresh water. While sustainable farming remains relatively rare in India, 1000 Farms goes beyond producing its own natural goods. The organization actively empowers other farmers by sharing its valuable knowledge and practices. By choosing 1000 Farms, customers not only savor the exceptional taste of sustainably grown produce but also support a movement that preserves organic agricultural traditions, making them accessible to all.
In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World, Sathya Jayachandran, Founder and Managing Partner of 1000 Farms, offers a deep dive into the organization’s core activities and organic product offerings. She sheds light on her company’s consumer base, market opportunities, and expansion plans, while emphasizing its commitment to offering products free from animal cruelty, all while ensuring affordability. Here are the key takeaways from their discussion.
Q: Could you elaborate on the core activities of 1000 Farms and how the organization is empowering farmers to adopt and promote organic farming practices?
A: 1000 Farms advocates for the revival of traditional, organic farming methods. Our approach is simple: we practice organic farming and cultivate every type of food we consume. The 1000 Farms brand emerged from this vision—to unite a thousand farmers under our wing, teaching them organic farming practices and promoting sustainable agriculture that integrates both animal and plant systems.
At the core of our offerings are coconut products, all of which are 100% organic. We do not use fertilizers, and our farming practices focus on sustainability. Our range of coconut products includes virgin coconut oil, coconut milk, coconut aminos, coconut sugar, high-fat desiccated coconut, coconut muffin mixes, and coconut chips. Every product we produce is certified organic and adheres to strict international standards, including US FDA, NOP, EU, and BRC certifications.
Looking ahead, we are committed to expanding the 1000 Farms brand globally, ensuring that all our products continue to reflect our dedication to sustainability and organic excellence.
Q: Could you elaborate on the types of customers you serve and the regions they are based in?
A: 1000 Farms is a young startup, just one year into its journey. We currently operate factories in both India and Sri Lanka, with production spread across these two locations. Our expansion into Sri Lanka enables us to manufacture a diverse range of products, while we continue to produce others in India.
We aim to serve both the Indian and international markets, targeting a broad customer base. Although we are still in the early stages, with a small but growing number of customers in India, our vision is to rapidly scale and expand our reach globally.
Q: How do you perceive the market opportunities for products like coconut extracts, and what potential do you see in this sector?
A: Based on our experiences at two to three expos and exhibitions, we have observed a clear market demand for coconut products. As more people embrace healthier lifestyles, there is a growing shift towards gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO options. All of our products meet these criteria: they are gluten-free, preservative-free, non-GMO, and vegan.
This trend is gaining momentum, with a noticeable shift in consumer preferences. We are receiving a steady stream of inquiries for our products, confirming this growing demand. While the market in India is still in its nascent stages, it is expanding. On the international front, however, we are seeing a much more significant level of interest and numerous inquiries.
Q: Do you have any plans to expand your product offerings to include other items in the future?
A: As we focus on coconuts, we plan to diversify into a wider range of coconut products. The possibilities within the food sector alone are vast, but we’re not stopping there. We’re also exploring the potential of coconut shells in carbon manufacturing. This is another exciting project currently in the pipeline, which we are actively working towards.
Q: How do you envision the growth of your business over the next five to ten years?
A: We are confident in the growth of our business, driven by the increasing focus on health-consciousness among consumers. Given that we are only a year into this venture, we anticipate significant growth in the coming years. Over the next five years, we plan to introduce more products and expand our brand globally. To support this vision, we are actively participating in numerous exhibitions worldwide throughout 2025. This marks a strong start for us, and we expect our growth to multiply significantly in the near future.
Q: What measures do you take to ensure that your products are animal cruelty-free?
A: We are committed to ensuring that no animals are harmed in any part of our process. All our products are completely safe and cruelty-free. This extends to all our offerings, including ghee and other livestock-based products. On our farm, we raise livestock, including cows, in the most humane way possible. These cows graze naturally, and we refrain from using fertilizers. Their feed is grown organically, ensuring that everything on our farm is 100% organic and free from any harmful practices.
Q: How do you ensure that your products remain affordable for the average consumer?
A: We price our products reasonably, aiming to make them accessible to the middle and upper-middle class. As more people become health-conscious, especially with the growing demand for gluten-free options, we are mindful of our pricing strategy. While we maintain healthy margins, they are kept modest. Our goal is to reach and serve the entire market, ensuring that our products are available to a wide range of consumers.
