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Sustainable Harvest International779 North Bend Road
Surry, ME 04684
P: 207.669.8254
F: 207.669.8255
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Extentionist: Cruz Alcidez                   Community: Caño Azul, Kukra River, RAAS

Time worked with SHI: 5 months
 

Accomplishments to date:  reorganizing of my farm, crop diversification, such as incorporating timber-yielding trees, fruits, vegetables, and basic grains.

Testimonial:

I feel very thankful to SHI for supporting me in my forestry, and fruit and vegetable growing. I hope they will continue supporting us in these important areas. I know we must wait a very long time for the trees we have planted (for wood) to grow, but they are so important to protecting the forest. I will continue this work as long as I have support, because it is for the wellbeing of my family and of the environment. I am also interested in participating in whatever new projects come available.

I am a new participant, but in this short time, SHI has given me the techniques to diversify my farm. I now have new and various crops like: 

160 Mahogany trees

200 Madero Negro trees

35 Janissaries

½ acre of watermelon

¼ acre of improved corn

I have learned a new technique for growing the corn, with 1 meter rows and plants spaced 50 cm. apart, controlling the number, size, and height.

I began working with SHI because I wanted to learn new planting techniques and also to learn about sustainability. I am especially thankful to SHI because I now have timber-yielding trees that will remain forever on my farm.

The benefits for my family are many, because SHI supplied me with many seeds including beans, cabbage, beets, and soy beans. As you know, this last one (soy) can be used to prepare a lot of different foods, including cuajada, a type of soy cheese, which is very nutritious for my family.

I have also seen that the SHI team has helped with raising pigs and has supplied tools such as shovels, pick axes, and pumps. I know there is also a plan for raising chickens, but that has not started in this area yet.

SHI’s support has been most important, though, in helping to organize my farm. Without their assistance, I never would have been able to plant such a large number of trees, fruits, and vegetables as I have now.  Once again I would like to say that I am very thankful to SHI for helping the wellbeing of our families. 

I am very enthusiastic about the protection of the mountains. For example, if we cut 5 trees to build a house, we should plant 20 new ones, to protect our forests. This is one of the things I have learned from the extentionists.

I hope to receive and share with SHI everything regarding agriculture. I also hope they will support me with new crops like quequisque, plantains, and more grains.

My family and I really appreciate everything SHI has done for us.

Special thanks to Julia Monley Plourde for her translation.