Greetings!

We have exciting news! On March 15th, our agricultural engineer, Federico Arriola Cuéllar, will go to the remote indigenous village of Chajmaic, Guatemala and with Ricardo's help will meet with 30 families to start Phase 1a: Pilot project with individual greenhouses. The project will continue for two months, until May 10th. They will conduct a new Needs Assessment which includes their input on what they'd like to grow in small greenhouses in their backyards. The preliminary assessment suggested that they would like to mainly plant corn and black beans. But they'll probably also grow onions, carrots, and other vegetables, like leafy greens.

Federico will teach them the basic concepts of greenhouse agriculture and how to maintain them. He will also create a pictorial manual to leave with the participants when he leaves in mid-May. On May 5-6, using Covid safety precautions, Fern and Ricardo will come to Chajmaic to observe the harvest.

Here's an overview of our general plan: 
Below are some photos of Federico's success in other locations in Guatemala with high yields of vegetables.

We hope to see similar results in Chajmaic and it's very exciting for us to see that, after 6 years, we are finally participating in the development of agricultural success for the well-being and sustainability of the people in the village.
Federico Arriola Cuéllar with mature black beans

The greenhouses will be constructed of iron rather than wood because of the constant rains in the area during much of the year. For this reason and the cost being less in Antigua, we are planning four trips to bring iron to Chajmaic. 
Route from Antigua to Chajmaic via Río Dulce
Chajmaic, satellite view

Follow us! We'll be posting photos and stories of the adventures and keeping you updated.
 
Total cost of Phase 1a: Pilot project with individual greenhouses is $22,619. We need your help in raising the final $12,619 for this phase. 

As an incentive, Eversource, the company of one of our Board members, Lauren DiSalvatore has offered to match $2,500 of the funds raised.
 
Even a small donation would help us reach our goal. Feel free to share our campaign on Facebook and Twitter, too!
100% of funds raised always go directly to the people in need.

Feel free to share this email! You can contact us at info@sowingops.org .

Thank you for your consideration and your generosity!
Sowing Opportunities, Inc.
21 Ivy Road
Malden, MA 02148