Fifteen years ago, we embarked on an ambitious and deeply meaningful journey—to regenerate the world’s grasslands and transform the lives of farmers and pastoralists across the globe. Together, we have built something truly extraordinary.
Serving as the CEO of the Savory Institute since its founding in 2010 has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I have been profoundly inspired by our shared vision, the courage and dedication of this global community, and the tangible impact we’ve made on landscapes and livelihoods worldwide. I am grateful beyond words for the privilege of working alongside such an extraordinary group of people—leaders, innovators, and changemakers—who have committed their lives to this movement.
I am especially grateful for the privilege to have worked alongside Allan Savory, my lifelong mentor, whose wisdom, courage, and unrelenting commitment to the health of the land and its people have shaped not only my own journey but also the course of regenerative agriculture itself. Designing and evolving the strategies to bring Allan’s life’s work, Holistic Management, into the hands of millions and into global consciousness has been both a profound responsibility and a source of immeasurable joy. What began as a revolutionary idea has now become a recognized and vital solution to some of the most pressing ecological and social challenges of our time.
From the outset, we understood that addressing the crises of land degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate change through Holistic Management would require bold thinking, creative solutions, and courageous action. Together with my extraordinary team, we designed and implemented strategies that have scaled our impact far beyond what many thought possible.
- The Hub Strategy was our answer to scale—empowering local leaders, deeply rooted in their regions, to drive regenerative solutions forward. With more than 50 Hubs worldwide, we are witnessing positive change unfold in powerful and beautifully diverse ways.
- The launch of Land to Market in 2015 gave us a groundbreaking mechanism to harness market forces—making regeneration not only the right choice but the most rewarding one for the farmers and ranchers who nourish and clothe us.
- Ecological Outcome Verification (EOV) provided the integrity and transparency needed to ensure that positive claims about the land were backed by real data.
- And most recently, the Savory Foundation, founded in 2022, is unlocking new pathways to investment in nature-based solutions—helping our global network of farmers and pastoralists access the financial support they need to expand their regenerative efforts.
This road has been filled with triumphs, challenges, and profound lessons. And now, I find myself at a personal and professional inflection point—one of transition, evolution, and new possibilities.
After deep reflection, I have decided that this is the right time for me to transition from my role as CEO of the Savory Institute so that I can fully dedicate my energy to advancing the work of the Savory Foundation in Europe. This was not an easy decision, but I believe it is an important one—for myself, for the Foundation, and for the next phase of Savory’s growth. The movement is strong, and its future is bright. Making space for new leadership will ensure that the Savory Institute continues to thrive, evolve, and reach even greater heights.
The Savory Foundation represents a powerful new lever for change. As we look to the future, scaling regenerative agriculture requires not only knowledge and training but also access to capital that allows farmers and pastoralists to learn and transition their management to ensure regenerative outcomes for land and people. The Foundation is focused on unlocking mission-aligned funding and investment that will enable this transition on a global scale—ensuring that the right financial mechanisms exist to support those stewarding the land. By moving into this role full-time, I will be working to connect the dots between regenerative land management, climate finance, and large-scale funding opportunities, making sure that our community has the resources needed to expand and thrive.
I will remain actively involved through my role on the Savory Institute governance board, and I look forward to working even more closely with our Hubs, Accredited Professionals, and partners as we channel investment into Savory-aligned projects worldwide. In the months ahead, I’ll be spending more time in Europe—particularly in Copenhagen, where the Foundation is headquartered, and Spain, where a new Savory Foundation project is underway. I’ll also be returning regularly to Uruguay, home to the Foundation’s first and largest project to date. And on a personal note, spending more time closer to my roots, culture, and family feels both meaningful and timely at this stage in my life.
I’m also delighted to share that Jason Knoll, a long-serving Savory Institute board member, will step into the role of CEO of the Savory Institute. Jason brings a rare and invaluable combination of visionary thinking, grounded leadership, and deep care for this work. With over 30 years of experience spanning organizational leadership, strategic planning, business development, and financial analysis, Jason has consistently inspired peak performance across industries—from startups to multinational corporations to nonprofits. Many of you already know Jason well—as a trusted advisor, collaborator, and friend to Savory—and I have every confidence he will carry forward our vision with wisdom, energy, and an unwavering commitment to our mission. Please join me in welcoming Jason into this new role!
As we move forward, the leadership teams of the Savory Institute, Land to Market, and the Savory Foundation will continue working in close partnership to ensure a seamless evolution of our shared mission.
This is not a farewell—it is a deepening of my commitment. I am filled with gratitude for all we have built together and even more excited for what lies ahead. The future of regenerative agriculture and Holistic Management will depend on bold action, visionary leadership, and an unshakable belief in what is possible when we come together. I know we will continue to push the boundaries and make an even greater impact on this world.
With deep gratitude,
Daniela Ibarra-Howell
