The introduction of industry into these communities has a lasting effect , creating opportunity and freeing people from the poverty cycle . “ We estimate that through our Co-Impact Sourcing initiatives in just 10 countries so far , we have created or are supporting 18,400 jobs in rural areas ,” says Valentiner . “ We also estimate that this number will grow to nearly 40,000 + jobs by 2020 — and this is just from our ‘ co-impact sourced ’ oils . That ’ s just a portion of our overall oil sourcing needs .”
This commitment to working with the originators of our oils engenders loyalty . As they see dōTERRA investing in them and their communities , they become just as invested in our success and work diligently to provide only the best oils for dōTERRA .
“ From a sourcing perspective ,” states Dave Stirling , dōTERRA Founder and CEO , “ we have tremendous potential to do much good in a very sustainable way in some of the poorest areas of the poorest countries in the world . And that is very exciting . But it is complex , difficult , nuanced , and requires a lot of effort and focus to make it happen effectively . We are 100 percent committed . Our vision is to one day arrive at the point where all of our oils — that make sense to be — are sourced through our Co-Impact Sourcing model .”
Source to You
“ Modern consumers want to know where their products come from ,” states Emily Wright , Founder and Executive Vice- President of sales and marketing . “ They want socially responsible and sustainable products . We feel the same way . We ’ re striving to put that human face with each dōTERRA oil that goes out to our worldwide base of customers .”
The ability to trace a product to its origins is vital in maintaining quality . Contracting with another company to provide oils poses several risks . Should yield drop , the temptation would be to add fillers to increase supply . But that drops the quality of the oils . Working directly with the farmers and distillers ensures that our high , CPTG ® quality requirements are met .
Working at a grassroots level also helps prevent problems . “ Building partnerships with farmers and distillers gives us access to on-the-ground , hands-on information ,” explains Valentiner . “ We know when there ’ s been a poor harvest , or if there is a problem with the plants . Knowing in advance allows us to develop strategies that meet both demand and quality . Working with middle men sometimes results in not finding out about a problem until the last possible moment . So instead of having a curable challenge , we have a crisis . Being directly involved in the supply chains helps prevent as much as possible those kinds of supply problems .”
Insight
“ Poverty is extensive and economic opportunity limited in the rural areas where we source many of our oils ,” explains Wright . “ We have a reach into more than 40 countries , half of which are considered developing countries . We have a tremendous opportunity to bring sustainable economic development into many rural areas . This is a shift in develop ment where we are no longer just a charity or a philanthropy , but rather a means of achieving meaningful , sustainable impact . What we ’ re seeing is that our Wellness Advocates often buy our oils not just for the health benefits , but for the opportunity to benefit the people and communities where our essential oils are produced .”
It may seem as though dōTERRA needlessly complicates its supply chain , but what we don ’ t see when looking at just the facts is the impact on real people . Using direct sourcing as a strategy , including the Co-Impact Sourcing model , allows for more communities around the world — some in desperate need of help — to be positively impacted . “ Really what we ’ re accomplishing with Co-Impact Sourcing ,” states Stirling , “ is benefitting the ends of the supply chain : those who produce the raw materials , and those who consume the end product . We ’ re improving the farmers ’ lives and providing them a better future while also changing the lives of the end consumer with the purest , most potent and beneficial essential oils . Does it cost us more in the middle of the chain ? Sure . But the results are worth it .”
doterra . com / 7