Maureen IvusicThe Fruit Tree Planting Foundation (FTPF) seeks to populate the world with fruit and nut trees, bringing food and shade to communities and ecosystems around the world. David ‘Avocado’ Wolfe co-founded FTPF in 2002 because he envisioned a way to alleviate world hunger, combat climate change, strengthen communities, and improve the surrounding air, soil, and water.
All with one simple act: planting fruit and nut trees.
The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation
FTPF Mission
The organization donates orchards, as well as training and aftercare, to communities that will benefit from the harvests for years and generations to come.
Specifically, the FTPF has donated orchards, training, and resources for public school systems, city parks, community gardens, and Native American Reservations.
Especially important are those orchards planted at international hunger relief sites, making the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation a featured partner in the United Nations Billion Tree Campaign. (1)
They are on their way to planting 18 billion trees around the world, or roughly 3 trees for every person on the planet. Now, that’s a sustainable food source.
Sustainability Realized
In this era of climate uncertainty, one thing is certain: Nature sustains us and the various ecosystems around the world with trees. Trees bring abundance in many ways. Food-bearing trees further serve the need for fresh food in impoverished communities, as well as inner city food deserts.
In El Salvador, for example, FTPF began a 10-year program in 2013 to bring orchards to this country facing devastating deforestation and food insecurity. Now, families can feed themselves and have an income selling fruit. (2)
With contributions from donors, as well as partner organizations, the FTPF can realize similar benefits in other countries.
FTPF Volunteerism Around the World
While making amazing strides towards their goals, the FTPF does this important work with the help of amazing volunteers. Volunteers can experience other cultures — or work closer to home — while supporting local communities and learning from the arborists.
Our planting excursions give volunteers lessons in sustainable agriculture and advocacy. But more than anything, this is a truly unique life experience.
Annual planting excursions happen in Uganda, Peru, and El Salvador. But the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation also plans and participates in plantings around the world every year, especially in the United States.
FTPF Resources
Not only does the organization share their arborist skills in person, but they also offer resources for the home grower. From free online guides to the Home Orchard Handbook (for purchase), you can get all the info you need to create your own home orchard food paradise.
Make your living growing and selling fruit and nuts, or simply provide your family with supplemental food during the harvest season. Fruit trees give back for generations.
Is there a need in your local community? Based in Pittsburgh, PA, they accept applications for a planting experience throughout the US, as we all as in many countries worldwide. Contact them for more information.
Donate to the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation Today
For Giving Tuesday. David ‘Avocado’ Wolfe gives of his time, knowledge, and effort for underserved communities to experience sustained nourishment.
“More than 90 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to our programs.”
Will you help David and the FTPF reach their goal of 18 billion trees planted? That’s 3 trees for every person on the planet! Along with planting an average of 60 orchards each year and tens of thousands of fruit & nut trees, FTPF educates people on planting and caring for trees in their communities.