Empowering Resilient Farm and Food Systems Through Strategic Change
Consulting to help non-profits, mission driven investors, and start ups realize their impact.
DSuput Consulting partners with organizations committed to transforming the agriculture and food landscape. We specialize in fostering the transition to regenerative agriculture, supporting farm viability, and facilitating access to capital. We work in partnership with nonprofits, mission-driven investors, and startups across the U.S. and Europe to create equitable, sustainable food systems. Our approach is rooted in collaboration, justice, innovative problem-solving, and a deep respect for natural ecosystems. We help our clients drive enduring impact in local and regional economies. We approach each project with perseverance, humility and joy.
Photo credit: Kumolu Studios
I am in awe of the complexity, beauty, rawness, and abundance of natural ecosystems. I am motivated by a desire for our species to coexist as a part of these systems. I believe that the journey of food and fiber from farm to home is ripe for transformation.
With three decades of experience, I work at the crossroads of regenerative agriculture, farm economic viability, and access to capital. I have founded, advised, and led organizations and programs that build equitable local and regional food systems.
We* are the strategist, researcher, convenor, and advisor that helps you find and follow your path forward.
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Need help bringing a concept to life?
We assist with idea generation, landscape analysis, feasibility studies, and program planning.Looking to measure your impact?
We create customized metrics and evaluation tools to assess and improve program effectivenessNeed a new or updated strategic framework?
We guide collaborative processes to develop strategic frameworks that provide clear direction and alignment for your organization. -
Excited about a new investment opportunity but unsure of its impact?
We can assess a farm or business's potential’s alignment with your goals and values. -
Are you an executive, director or board member in need of a sounding board?
We provide tailored support to help you achieve your goals. -
Facing a transition or temporary absence in leadership?
We can step into ambiguous situations and keep progress moving.
I use “we” to honor those who’ve contributed to my experience and to reflect collaboration with other consultants.
Dorothy Suput
I am the Principal at DSuput Consulting. Prior to establishing my practice, I was the founding Executive Director of The Carrot Project which provides capital and business advising for small and mid sized farms in the US. This organization has supported hundreds of farmers and food businesses each year and was one of the earliest opportunities for sustainable agriculture impact investments. In addition to my role at The Carrot Project, I co-founded the Agricultural Viability Alliance to support agricultural business advisors and advocate for federal funding. Previous roles include transforming MassRecycle in collaboration with a multi-sector board to create award-winning programs and establishing a professional development department at the Conservation Law Foundation.
I serve on multiple boards all involved in moving capital into the agricultural system, including the Board of Managers of the Flexible Capital Fund, a Corporator at Walden Mutual Bank, the Advisory Board of The Carrot Project, a Trustee of the Massachusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture, and a Technical Advisor for Northeast SARE.
With a master’s in environmental policy from Tufts University and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Purdue University, my education grounds me in economics and natural ecosystems, and their impact on our food and agricultural system. While working in a biology laboratory in Switzerland, my experiences outside the lab sparked my passion for organic agriculture and regional food systems, contrasting with my exposure to conventional agriculture growing up in the Midwest.
Always learning, I’m studying regenerative economics and, as a dual national, study German and Swiss German. I enjoy outdoor activities with family and friends, hiking, horseback riding, and reading.
Clients and Partners
Recent Projects
◦ 01Developed a conservation financing program to incentivize Latine farmers’ production practices in California.
◦ 02Co-authored What is an Agricultural CDFI? exploring California FarmLink’s business model.
◦ 03Contributed to two publications at the Croatan Institute, Agroforestry Financing Guide with the Savannah Institute, and Models and Opportunities for Financing Grain Chains in the Midwest, in collaboration with Artisan Grain Collaborative.
◦ 06Advocated for USDA funding dedicated to 1:1 business technical assistance like the Regional Food Business Centers as part of a founding member of a campaign strategy team.
◦ 09Co-led a peer-to-peer support network for executive directors in the farm and food space in the Northeast.
◦ 04Co-facilitated the development of a US domestic food and agricultural system strategic framework.
◦ 07Developed a scope of work for a food hub feasibility analysis for a California County to facilitate fundraising.
◦ 05Conducted a market analysis for an emerging agricultural financing institution in New York.
◦ 08Conducted ecosystem research to support the development of a statewide investment thesis to increase the use of locally produced foods in Connecticut’s K-12 schools.