Emerging Markets: Expanding Economic Opportunities for Farmers and Forest Landowners

This year, Asekia is deepening its farmer-centered approach by connecting farmers and forest landowners to practical, revenue-generating opportunities that support both economic resilience and responsible land stewardship.

Emerging markets — including biodiversity credits, improved forest management, and afforestation — are creating new pathways for producers to generate income while protecting the natural resources that sustain their operations. Economic vitality strengthens not only farm families but also the long-term health of working lands.

To support informed decision-making, Asekia is developing accessible educational programming that equips producers with clear, actionable information about these evolving opportunities.

We are currently collaborating with trusted partners — MillPont, Victus Puerto Rico, and New Leaf Climate — to build an interactive curriculum focused on helping farmers understand how to participate in environmental markets and evaluate options that align with their operational and family goals.

“Emerging markets are creating new pathways for farmers and forest landowners to strengthen their operations while caring for the land,” said Dr. H. Nolo Martínez, Executive Director of Asekia Inc. “Our role is to ensure producers have trusted guidance, culturally competent support, and clear information so they can evaluate these opportunities with confidence and choose what best supports their families and long-term legacy.”

This initiative complements Asekia’s on-the-ground outreach across Puerto Rico, New Mexico, and Florida, as well as our expanding digital education efforts that highlight the inspiring work of producers restoring landscapes and strengthening their communities.

Outreach Updates

Outreach programming in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico: We are laying the groundwork for our third cohort of forest landowners and a new series of interactive forestry workshops. This cohort will include 25 landowners, expanding our growing network of more than 75 participants across the island.

Florida: We look forward to sharing updates from farmers implementing silvopasture systems — an innovative agroforestry practice that integrates trees with livestock grazing to improve productivity, diversify income, and enhance environmental benefits.

Silvopasture in Florida

New Mexico: Our team continues to build strong relationships with forest landowners and acequia communities while collaborating on sustainable forest management practices such as strategic thinning and acequia maintenance — efforts that support watershed health and community resilience.

Next month, we will share a deeper look at the impact of our outreach nationwide — from trees planted to conservation practices adopted — demonstrating how farmer-centered education is translating into measurable results on the ground.

We are grateful for the opportunity to serve agricultural communities and remain committed to expanding access, strengthening partnerships, and supporting producers as they prepare for a resilient and prosperous future.

For more information, contact us at info@asekia.org.