Author: sHq_LoGiNz

Gurijala Sarath lives in Gopinenipalem where he grows 27 acres of chilis, cotton, and paddy. He signed up to grow chili for TEROVA in 2014 as the first farmer in TEROVA’s chili program and is still a proud supplier today. The most significant benefit for famers like Sarath is economic – they are paid as soon as the dried chilis are accepted and given market price plus a premium for implementing sustainable practices that are certified by Rainforest Alliance/UEBT. TEROVA’s prompt payment and annual purchase from the farmers helps them reinvest in their farms and support their families.

Sarath’s experience during the past 12 years is an example of how TEROVA works with farmers to promote economic stability. Sarath started with 5 acres of land and through training, incorporated regenerative farming practices such as cover crops. Other benefits include:

• Comprehensive Training: Farmers receive guidance to boost yields and ensure their crops meet export standards, unlocking access to better prices. Regenerative farming training includes integrated pest management (IPM) that uses colored sticky sheets on posts throughout the field to attract insect pests and trap them, helping the farmer know quickly when they have a pest issue and reducing the number of pests in a non-chemical way.
• Essential Materials: IPM tools, personal protective equipment (PPE), and drying nets are supplied to support safe and effective farming. Drying nets help the farmer reduce loss of chili during the drying process and prevent rocks or other foreign materials from being introduced into the crop.
• Reliable Storage and Transport: TEROVA manages logistics, including cold storage and quality testing, to maintain product integrity and maximize value.
• Prompt, Fair Payment: Farmers are paid on time—typically within 21 days—at market price plus a premium, with all transactions transparently documented.
• Ongoing Field Support: There are dedicated field teams visit every 10 days on average, monitoring crops, identifying pests, and offering agronomic advice.

Now, TEROVA is working closely with the Griffith Foods regenerative agriculture team to implement more regenerative practices into the farmer’s education program. The current regenerative practices include no and low-till, cover crops, and pesticide management, with farmers selecting which practices to implement based on their knowledge of the land and crops.

At the 2025 Terova farmer awards, Sarath won Best Sustainability Award, highlighting his success in the program. Terova’s model demonstrates that responsible sourcing can deliver value for everyone involved. By investing in farmer training, fair compensation, and community wellbeing, Terova not only ensures a reliable supply of high-quality spices but also fosters resilient, thriving agricultural communities.

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About Griffith Foods

Griffith Foods is a global product development partner helping food companies meet the evolving needs of consumers with high-quality, culinary driven, customized products. Founded in 1919 and headquartered in Alsip, Illinois, USA, Griffith Foods is a family-owned business known for collaborative innovation guided by its purpose to “Blend Care and Creativity to Nourish the World.” Operating in over 40 countries across six continents, Griffith Foods employs more than 5,000 people, including over 40 chefs and 340 food scientists, who work together to create solutions that nourish people, planet, and communities. The company’s product capabilities include seasonings, sauces, dressings, coating systems, and alternative protein solutions. Griffith Foods’ primary areas of focus include Foodservice, Food Manufacturers, Protein Processors, and Retail.

 

ROCK ISLAND, Ill., October 28, 2026 /3BL/ – Royal Neighbors of America, one of the nation’s fastest growing life insurance organizations¹ based in Rock Island, Ill., has proudly awarded 32 college scholarships to student members across the country as part of its longstanding commitment to provide Insurance with a Difference℠.

Each recipient received a scholarship in recognition of their academic achievement, leadership, volunteer service, and commitment to creating positive change in their communities. To be considered, applicants must be Royal Neighbors Beneficial Members.

“This experience taught me that service is about heart, empathy, and showing up for others. It inspires me every day to give selflessly and lead by example,” said Graci Tubbs, one of this year’s scholarship recipients who is completing her degree at Florida Atlantic University.

Applicants were selected through a competitive process that includes personal essays on leadership, community service, and a commitment to personal growth. The program emphasizes purpose-driven education and real-world impact, aligning with Royal Neighbors’ core mission.

“Our scholarship recipients represent the very best of what it means to be a Royal Neighbor. These are individuals who take action and make their communities stronger,” said Amy Jones, Senior Director of Social Impact at Royal Neighbors. “When we invest in their education, we’re not only helping them achieve their goals; we’re helping amplify the positive impact they will have for years to come.”

“Education opens doors, strengthens communities, and creates opportunities for future generations,” said Zarifa Reynolds, CEO and President of Royal Neighbors. “We are honored to invest in these remarkable students whose commitment to service reflects the values that have guided our organization for more than 130 years.”

2026 Royal Neighbors Scholarship Recipients

Name	Home State	Name	Home State
Colton Ashley	Iowa	Justin Lee	Texas
Jenna Becker	Nevada	Kammie Ludwig	Illinois
Peyton Boles	Missouri	Noah Martin*	Colorado
Isabella Chambers	South Carolina	Ronald McClary	South Carolina
Lydia Davis	Virginia	Gregory McCray	Georgia
Olivia Donahue	Iowa	Nicole Pate	New Jersey
Samiyah English	Florida	Emma Pearson	Iowa
Carmen Gaas	Texas	Ashley Pouliot	Minnesota
Scarlett Gonsalves	California	Evan Pouliot	Minnesota
Skylar Greene	Illinois	Jacob Rose	Wisconsin
Boston Hodges	Mississippi	Verlane Rubina	California
William Hodges	Mississippi	Olivia Schuld	Illinois
Evelyn Houston	Texas	Graci Tubbs	Florida
Yazard Jean Pierre	Florida	Randi Tubbs	Florida
Ani Johnson	Georgia	Abigail Williams	Colorado
Nina Kuzichev	Washington, DC	Dorothy Young	Pennsylvania

*Fourth generation Royal Neighbors Member

Scholarship funds may be applied toward tuition, room and board, textbooks, or other education-related expenses. To learn more about the Royal Neighbors Scholarship Program, visit: royalneighbors.org/scholarships.

About Royal Neighbors of America

In 1895, nine founding women created a membership community. They were one of the first to make life insurance accessible to women. Now, 131 years later, Royal Neighbors remains committed to its mission of Insuring Lives, Supporting Women, and Serving Communities℠. The organization’s members, chapters, employees, and its independent agents across the country drive this mission through localized volunteerism and philanthropic programs, making social impact the cornerstone of their work.

Royal Neighbors members experience Insurance with a Difference℠ through tailored life insurance and annuity products, opportunities to give back in their communities, and access to member benefits that support financial and personal well-being.

Royal Neighbors holds an “A” (Excellent) rating from AM Best² for financial strength and its ability to meet ongoing obligations to certificate holders. In 2025, Royal Neighbors received its ninth Great Place to Work certification. In 2026 Royal Neighbors was recognized by Forbes and Statista as a World’s Best Insurance Company. For more information, visit royalneighbors.org.

1. American National’s Exit, Benefit Ratio Shifts, Avoidable Mortality & PRT Rulings. Life Annuity Specialist News Brief; April 3, 2025
2. As of December 12, 2025, Royal Neighbors is rated A Excellent (3rd highest out of 13) by the AM Best Company for overall financial strength and ability to meet ongoing obligations to certificate holders. For the latest Best’s Credit Rating, access ambest.com.

Disclosure: Royal Neighbors of America® (NAIC #57657), licensed in all states and the District of Columbia, except AL, AK, HI, LA, MA, NH, NY. Membership and qualification required, products and contractual provisions and limitations may vary by state. Guarantees are based on the claims‑paying ability of Royal Neighbors of America. Not a deposit, intended to be held long-term. 

Royal Neighbors Media Contact:
Marie Young, Director, Marketing & Communications
Marie.Young@royalneighbors.org
Office Line: (309) 732-8280

3BL2026-0004 Rev. 10-2026