Luis Jimenez, the Co-op Manager at ACODIHUE in Guatemala, recently ventured to Burlington, Vermont for an immersive beekeeping experience that epitomizes Food 4 Farmers’ commitment to building capacity for members of coffee-farming communities. Luis’ trip wasn’t just about learning new beekeeping techniques – he also became more equipped to grow a healthier future for his community through immersive education from beekeeping innovators right in our own backyard.
Innovative Learning with Mike Palmer
Luis’s expedition started with an eight-day masterclass with Mike Palmer, a revered figure in beekeeping and owner of French Hill Apiaries, where he dove deep into the intricate art of queen bee production. Luis praised Palmer as a genius for developing such an effective methodology. Although replicating the exact conditions in Guatemala might be challenging, he returned with a wealth of ideas for experimenting at his apiaries back home.
Diversification Insights at Bee Happy
The journey continued at the Winooski Farmers Market, where Luis explored the Bee Happy stand, managed by Pedro Salas. A day spent with Pedro was invaluable as he showcased the vital role of diversification in beekeeping, from candle making to mead production. Pedro’s approach, marked by his humor and gentle bee handling, demonstrated the potential for small, diversified businesses.
Luis (left) with Pedro (right)
Luis at Dancing Bee Farm with Mike Palmer.
Educational Enrichment with Samantha Alger
Luis also attended classes by Samantha Alger – Research Assistant Professor at the University of Vermont, where she directs the Vermont Bee Lab – enhancing his understanding of pollinator health. These classes enriched Luis’s understanding of pollinator health and management, offering new perspectives and techniques to bring back to Guatemala
Sustainability Practices with Ross Conrad
A visit to Ross Conrad’s Dancing Bee Garden in Addison further broadened Luis’s horizon. Observing Ross’s net-zero operations and exploring his book “Organic Beekeeping” offered a glimpse into other practices that could be mirrored in Guatemala. For Luis, this visit also helped drive home the importance of environmentally friendly practices in achieving long-term sustainability for beekeeping enterprises.
Community and Collaboration
Throughout his stay, Luis connected with various experts and community members. He met Ernesto Méndez at the University of Vermont (UVM) and interacted with a variety of Food 4 Farmers board members, staff, and advisors. These connections deepened Luis’s appreciation for the collective efforts that drive the programs supported by Food 4 Farmers. The sense of community and shared purpose he experienced in Vermont reinforced the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving food security and resilience.
Reflections and Future Directions
Reflecting on his journey, Luis expressed profound gratitude and enthusiasm for the insights gained. He acknowledged that the trip had opened his mind to numerous possibilities that could be implemented back home, which he is confident will help imrpove food security and economic stability of his community.
Luis’s journey to Vermont exemplifies the power of international collaboration and education in building resilient agricultural practices. Through such experiences, our work not only aims to support the immediate needs of coffee farming communities but also to foster a cycle of continuous improvement and empowerment, ensuring that knowledge transcends borders and generations. This trip has paved the way for innovative practices that Luis and his community can adapt, promising a healthier and more prosperous future.
