In 2025, SHI was both tested and sharpened. With thanks to the support of our community, 2025 gave us an incredible opportunity to focus on organizational alignment to make sure we can continue accompanying the farmers who nourish their communities and our planet—for the long term.
As we navigated changes in the global landscape, we laser focused on streamlining our programs, admin, and partnerships so we could continue effectively developing an ecosystem for systemic change—one that brings together farmers, local partners, and SHI’s community of support to make regenerative agriculture the standard across thousands of hectares of biodiverse land. We also added five new board members to build a strong foundation of organizational governance in the coming years.
In addition, we said a fond farewell to our founding Executive Director, Flo Reed, whose spirit and vision has guided SHI for 28 years—she has left the organization in the hands of SHI’s most trained and expert team to date, and we are privileged to continue the journey she began so many years ago. As she begins her new chapter, Flo will remain at SHI as one of our most valued strategic advisors.
Continue reading for a snapshot of the exciting work your generosity made possible in 2025.
“Our efforts to refocus this year have paid off. SHI is well positioned to deepen our impact and support many more small-holder farming families to engage in agroecological practices that protect and restore the environment, increase food security, and help farmers thrive.
In 2026, We will continue to refine our operations, form our staff as agroecology experts, and be bold in our decision-making. I feel very optimistic about the futures of our partner farmers in Central America, and in SHI’s capacity to facilitate long-lasting change.
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2025 impact highlights
Equipped with the tools and knowledge needed to improve their livelihoods while restoring their environment and the planet.
Impacted through SHI programs and long-term support.
Majority of micro-businesses started by SHI families were run by women.
Planted to restore landscapes and build long-term resilience.
Of degraded land restored, with an additional 18 hectares reforested.
Through the generosity of donors like you.
Numbers represent July - December 2025.
Program Highlights
Consolidating our programs for more effective impact in Honduras.
Edvin Celestino Vásquez from the El Limón community in Honduras.
Early this year, SHI made the strategic decision to optimize our impact so we can continue supporting farmers, families and communities for years to come. Grounded in a steadfast focus on ensuring the quality and continuity of our core work, this took the form of consolidating our programming in Honduras, while ending our work in Belize and Panama.
SHI’s focused programming in Honduras will allow us to continue building the capacity of residents in the poorest communities to enhance their economic livelihoods while protecting thousands of hectares of ecologically rich landscape.
Before the transition, we ensured all Belize and Panama participants had an opportunity to complete the planned programming. Learning alongside local experts in these countries has been critical in achieving our shared success.
Long list for the Planet Food Prize
In 2025, our Honduras program was long-listed for the Food Planet Prize! The Food Planet Prize rewards initiatives that support resilient ecosystems while feeding the world.
We are now among 35 organizations (out of over 1000!) in the running for the $2 million award to be announced in summer 2026. Being long-listed affirms that our approach is working: one that begins with the soil, and combines ecological restoration with farmer-led action.
Celebrating Farmer Graduations
Elvia Rosa Palomo from the La Concepcion Community in Honduras graduates from her SHI training program in February 2025.
When farmers first join SHI’s program, they commit to a multi-year, hands-on learning experience that is guided by SHI Field Trainers and rooted in sustainable agriculture. It’s a multifaceted journey that goes beyond farming to include small business development and strengthening community capacity. In the time it takes to earn a college degree, farmers learn, adopt, and master these principles.
In 2025, 189 families from 13 communities graduated from our program in Honduras. Their impact extends beyond each individual and their farms: many of these graduates will go on to share their knowledge with others and become leaders in sustainable agriculture.
Spreading the Word
Don Adán Ulloa and his daughter Carolina, of Santa Elena in Honduras, show off their 100% organic-grown produce.
This year has also reinforced how critical regenerative agriculture is to our global future.
At Climate Week NYC in September, regenerative agriculture took center stage in conversations about climate solutions, with recognition that farmer-led approaches are essential to addressing both food security and ecosystem restoration. It was energizing to see the work you support gaining this level of visibility and validation.
That same month, SHI was able to share about impact of regenerative farming through the climate news site, BluDot Living, sharing our mission with a broader audience.
This is just a snapshot of the impact SHI was able to make in 2025. Thanks to committed donors like you, we made a lasting impact on farming families and the planet. Thank you for the exciting work your generosity made possible last year.
Like what you read? Join us to continue deepening our impact in 2026.
