My name is Martín Reyes Granados, and I am a farmer living in Estancias, Honduras. Estancias is a small rural town in the western part of the country. Like many people here, I have always worked very hard to provide for my family, but it was difficult putting food on the table. I prayed for the day when I could make my small farm more productive.

My prayers were answered when CRS came to the region and offered farmers like me the opportunity to join the Country School for Small Farmers. Through the school I learned clear and simple skills to help me improve my farming operations. The school is based on the concept of learning by discovery, where the farmers and teachers are able to exchange knowledge through experience and experimentation. Through this process we learned about animal nutrition and health, livestock improvement, production, and marketing strategies. I have been able to go from owning a few cows that barely produced milk to being the proud owner of a small dairy farm.

Some other farmers and I formed a local co-op and now have access to a dairy plant where we can bottle and market our milk and dairy products. Our income has increased and our lives have changed. The school training provided me with the skills to become a successful farmer, and a businessman who is working towards the improvement of my community and my region. Today, I am the president of the local co-op, and a member of the Fair Trade network in Honduras.

Learn more about Catholic Relief Services' work in Honduras.

Learn how Catholic Relief Services supporting people affected by agriculture projects.