Roots of Peace

"Turning Mines to Vines Worldwide" "Roots of Peace is a pioneer in supporting the world's most vulnerable farmers and traders—transforming battlefields of war into thriving agricultural farmlands—restoring agricultural productivity and prosperity benefiting war-torn families as we heal both soil and soul. Through tireless advocacy and collaboration, Roots of Peace has facilitated the removal of thousands of deadly landmines, empowering farmers to reclaim their livelihoods and communities to rebuild with hope. Each land once scarred by conflict now bears witness to resilience, as verdant rows of grapevines and blossoming orchards replace fear with the promise of harvest. The organization’s approach extends beyond clearing explosives—it invests in education, training, and the distribution of modern agricultural resources, equipping local families to develop sustainable sources of income. By fostering partnerships with universities, governments, and rural cooperatives, Roots of Peace ensures that knowledge and opportunity are sown alongside each seed. From Afghanistan’s rugged hills to the fertile valleys of Croatia and beyond, Roots of Peace’s projects have helped restore both ecological balance and social stability. Communities once fractured by violence now gather at harvest festivals, their tables filled with the fruits of their labor, their futures nourished by the spirit of renewal. As the movement grows, Roots of Peace remains steadfast in its belief that healing the land is inseparable from healing its people. In every vineyard and every orchard, there lies a testament to humanity’s capacity to transform adversity into abundance, and hatred into hope. Under the leadership of Heidi Kuhn and her family, significant partnerships have been established with prominent vintners, political advocates, and global leaders to advance the vision of "cultivating peace through agriculture." Heidi and I collaborated to produce the Roots of Peace 25th Anniversary commemorative book, which highlights the organization’s history through a curated selection of photographs and letters of support and gratitude. The theme of peace is woven throughout each page to commemorate the milestone and enhance global awareness. The Kuhn family has longstanding connections to Marin County, California. I participated in promoting local events in the area through Marin IJ advertisements and marketing materials.