La Bendición: A Farm that Feeds the Rivera Family

Rogelio Rivera, his wife Suyapa Villeda and their family have transformed their small farm, La Bendición, into a thriving, sustainable homestead in La Sierra, Honduras. Through the Produce Verde project, they’ve embraced new farming techniques, diversified their crops and shared resources to strengthen both their livelihood and their community. 

Cultivating a Life Rooted in Gratitude and Hard Work 

“Thank God for a new day,” says Rogelio each morning before starting his work: he feeds his cow, waters the crops, cares for the chickens and oversees the grazing of the sheep. His wife Suyapa prepares fortified tortillas that she learned to make, along with green smoothies, before starting her own work with the vegetable garden and animals. 

Rogelio Rivera and Suyapa Villeda live with their three children in the community of La Sierra, Macuelizo, Santa Bárbara. This cool-climate area, surrounded by pine trees and made up of about 30 families, welcomed them more than four decades ago. 

Since joining the Produce Verde project, implemented by the Mennonite Social Action Commission (CASM), they have learned new farming techniques and built the chicken coop they needed. They also diversified their crops with plantains, cassava, beans, vegetables like radishes and mustard greens and fruit trees such as apple, papaya, pineapple and lemon. The family raises livestock, including pigs, chickens and sheep and have even started keeping native stingless bees, whose honey they use for medicinal purposes and to sell. 

Their farm, La Bendición (The Blessing), is now a source of pride. “We didn’t know how to make this compost,” says Rogelio, showing worms wriggling in the soil he holds in his hand. “We’re very grateful to God,” he adds, enthusiastically pointing to the sacks of compost that now represent self-sufficiency and healthy soil from which they harvest food for their family. 

Growing More Than Food: Skills, Knowledge and Community 

Suyapa proudly shares that she now knows how to better care for her garden. “I’ve learned how to care for my animals and so many other things about farming. I love my little hens,” she says. They are also part of a group that promotes sustainable practices, such as avoiding burning waste and using compost in terraced fields. 

As a sign of their commitment to the community—and as part of the project—they take part in the “pass-it-on” practice: a piglet is given to another family in a neighboring community so they can raise it, breed more and eventually sell them for an additional income. 

As César Soriano from CASM notes: “This project and the dedication of the participants reflect a natural commitment to the land and a willingness to try new practices.” 

The ‘Produce Verde’ project is implemented by our local partner, Comisión de Acción Social Menonita (CASM), with the support of Growing Hope Globally. Click here to learn more about our work in Central America. 

From Pineapples to Piglets: How the Gutiérrez Family Is Cultivating Life and Hope in Honduras

Pedro Pablo Gutiérrez and his family have transformed their small farm in Las Varas, Honduras, into a thriving, self-sufficient homestead with the support of the Produce Verde project. Through teamwork, sustainable farming practices and community sharing, they’ve created a life rooted in resilience, health and generosity. 

A Day in the Life on the Farm 

Every morning, Pedro Pablo Gutiérrez begins his day with a prayer and a hot cup of coffee. He lives with his wife Rosa and their daughter Glenda in the community of Las Varas, Macuelizo, in the department of Santa Bárbara, Honduras. 

The family takes great care of their farm. Their day begins early: feeding the pigs, checking the fish tank, tending to the animals and managing the crops. “Here, we do a bit of everything,” shared Pedro Pablo. 

Pineapple cultivation is his favorite task. “We love its taste, that’s why we enjoy it so much,” he says, pointing to the staggered rows they’ve planted. Some pineapples are already ready for harvest, while others are just beginning to grow. The fruit also provides an income, as he sells them in neighboring towns. “Pineapples sell well; there’s a strong market for them.” 

In addition to pineapples, the family grows corn, beans and maintains a variety of plants. They also have pigs, chickens, ducks and sheep, as well as a small fish tank. “The fish can’t be seen, but they’re there. Every morning, we turn on the water system and feed them,” explains Pedro Pablo, proud of the family’s efforts. 

One of their proudest achievements is being able to share one of their piglets with another family as part of the project. “We call her ‘the boss,’” he says, pointing to the pregnant mother. “It [gifting the piglet] makes us feel useful,” says Pedro Pablo. 

Building a Self-Sufficient, Healthier Home 

Since joining the Produce Verde project, implemented by the Mennonite Social Action Commission (CASM), they have learned to make organic fertilizer, adopt new planting techniques and prepare meals with what they grow. 

They also have an eco-stove, latrine and a grain storage system. “The stove is smokeless; the smoke goes out from the top and this way we protect our lungs,” explains Rosa. “We no longer buy eggs or chicken. Now we have everything here for home consumption,” adds Pedro Pablo.  

Their farm is a model of self-sufficiency and teamwork: while one person tends the garden, another looks after the animals. For the family, the support they’ve received has been transformative. “This is the first time an institution has helped us. Thank God and thank you.” 

The ‘Produce Verde’ project is implemented by our local partner, Comisión de Acción Social Menonita (CASM), with the support of Growing Hope Globally. Click here to learn more about our work in Central America or donate to support other families like the Gutierrez Family.