ITC Business Council – Anna Carter

Anna Carter – Board Member of the Manufacturing Business Council, and Member Recruitment Co-Lead for Women in International Business Council

Anna Carter is the Founder and Owner of Anna Carter’s The Seed Lady, MNE, and Beatrice Premier Food/Cuppedia Corporation, based in the USA. She is an active member of the International Trade Council, serving on the Board of the Manufacturing Business Council. Recently, Anna took on the additional role of Member Recruitment Co-Lead for the Women in International Business Council, where she focuses on attracting diverse talent to advance the council’s mission of fostering global opportunities for women.

With a strong focus on U.S. global trade, Anna’s organizations are committed to producing certified organic, non-GMO, and non-Haram food products, aimed at providing nutritious options for communities. Her journey in the industry began with her family’s legacy of self-sufficiency, which inspired her to inherit and expand their businesses. Her most significant educational experience came during her six years with the International Trade Centre (ITC) in Belgium, where she gained invaluable insights that she later implemented in her community in Watts, California, leading to the creation of BLACKMART.

Throughout her career, Anna has spearheaded initiatives to organize African nations in growing and manufacturing organic products for international trade. She takes pride in her accomplishments, which include creating pure foods that heal, formulating medicinal and organic heirloom seeds, and cooking to nourish the homeless. Additionally, she is dedicated to teaching women the art of cooking, emphasizing the importance of healthy eating.

Anna has witnessed a remarkable evolution in the organic food industry, from a time when organic products were scarce to a present where they are widely available. However, she acknowledges ongoing challenges, particularly the need for more resources to train women in food cultivation and preparation.

Looking to the future, Anna predicts a surge in demand for organic and non-GMO products, fueled by a growing awareness of their health benefits. She is particularly excited about the transformative potential of AI in the industry, viewing it as a catalyst for creating new, sustainable jobs.

For those starting in the industry, Anna advises focusing on growing and manufacturing food that you enjoy and that others appreciate, ensuring that nothing goes to waste. She approaches setbacks with faith, emphasizing the importance of prayer in overcoming challenges.

Inspired by the legacy of Dr. George Washington Carver, whom she regards as her role model, Anna cherishes the honor of being recognized by the U.S. Library of Congress as the Heir-Apparent of Dr. Carver. Outside of her professional pursuits, she enjoys fishing, visiting museums, attending art shows, exploring fashion, and lacemaking, all of which contribute to her rich and fulfilling life.