Insights from Outreach and Farmer Connections

Heriberto walks through Jomar's land

This year, we have continued to expand and strengthen our farmer- and forest landowner-centered outreach across Puerto Rico, New Mexico, and Florida. Our outreach specialists are building meaningful relationships and supporting farmers and landowners as they work toward their goals.

In Puerto Rico, Chief Agronomist Heriberto Martínez Méndez has already visited five new participants in this year’s forestry cohort. By the start of the workshop series in June, we aim to reach a total of 100 participants.

Conservation practices are especially important in lands that border streams, such as this one at Jomar's farm.

Earlier this year, our communications team had the opportunity to accompany Heriberto on his first landowner visit of the year with Javier (“Jomar”) Álvarez Vélez, the 76th participant in the Hispanic Forest Landowners Outreach Program in Puerto Rico. During each visit, Heriberto walks the land alongside the farmer or landowner. With Jomar, this included fields of plantains and fruit trees, as well as a river that runs through the property.

Implementing sustainable practices on lands that include rivers or streams is especially important. Practices that reduce soil erosion, for example, help protect water quality by preventing sediment from entering waterways.

After the walkthrough, Heriberto collected data using an iPad and conducted a drone flight over the property. These aerial images provide landowners with a valuable perspective of their land and support more informed decision-making.

Aerial view of Jomar's farm

This process is repeated with each participating landowner. Following the visit, Agronomist Assistant Loreanne Martínez Méndez conducts a detailed follow-up survey. The information gathered provides critical insights into farmers’ priorities, goals, and challenges, while also strengthening trust through consistent, in-person engagement.

Heriberto and Loreanne’s dedication, technical expertise, and commitment to centering farmers are essential to the success of our outreach efforts in Puerto Rico. Their work continues to foster a strong and collaborative community of landowners who support one another and share knowledge and experiences.

Later this year, our Puerto Rico programming will once again include an interactive workshop series, creating space for participants to learn from one another, share their expertise, and celebrate their progress.

Follow our social media channels this month for behind-the-scenes insights into Heriberto’s outreach process and our visit to Jomar’s farm. Stay tuned for updates from New Mexico and Florida as well.

For more information about Asekia’s outreach programming, please contact info@asekia.org.