Frente Democràtico Campesino, Chihuahua, Mexico

picking applesapple growersin the orchardbags of apples

Since 1987, the FDC has been working to develop agriculture, rural communities, and fair policies in the state of Chihuahua. Small apple producers have historically had no access to credit, cool-chain storage or transport. Desperate for income at the end of a long growing season, producers accept rock-bottom prices from intermediaries for apples that are still on the tree. The result has been continued poverty and migration; as many as 70% of producer families have felt it necessary for one or more members to migrate to the U.S.

With grants from our foundation from 2005-2008, the FDC has used a revolving fund to support farmers. Rather than sell their apples at harvest, they are able to take out a loan from the FDC, store their apples, and repay the loan when they market the apples themselves for a higher price. Since the revolving fund is repaid each season, the project’s results and benefits are sustainable for the long term. This project has enabled 164 producers to sell more than 1,200 tons of apples at prices that earn the equivalent of 146% of the Mexican minimum wage per producer.

In addition, the FDC has formed an apple growers’ association and an “Escuela Manzanera” or Apple Growers’ School, with a methodology of farmer-to-farmer education to help FDC growers learn the reasons for, potential results, techniques and processes of producing quality fruit for higher niches in the market. Exchanges took place between Broetje Orchards and FDC apple farmers in February 2005, July 2006, February 2007, and July 2009. These exchanges served to motivate quality production, increase technical knowledge, expand participation, and offer spiritual exchange.