The Uriri Farmers’ Cooperative Society was formed in 2003 by 10 farmers who were disappointed by the earnings they were getting from sugarcane and tobacco. The members of the cooperative decided to grow soybeans instead and received initial training and technical advice from the Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Institute (TSBF) and the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT).
By 2009, nearly 3000 farmers were growing soybeans in the area and selling their harvest to the cooperative. The cooperative also provides the technical means for its members to process their soybean harvest into other products, such as yoghurt, milk, flour and sausages. Farmers have reported higher earnings and improved food security since starting soybean farming.[1]