Author: Sarah McCann

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Shade Grown vs. Sun Grown Coffee: Why It Matters For Your Cup

Shade Grown vs. Sun Grown Coffee: Why It Matters For Your Cup

When you’re sipping your morning coffee, you might not think about whether the beans were grown under the warm sun or beneath a leafy canopy. But the way coffee is grown plays a huge role in its flavor, quality, and impact on the planet. 

At Camano Island Coffee Roasters, we choose shade grown coffee – and here’s why that matters. 

What Is Sun Grown Coffee? 

In the 1970s and 80s, many coffee farms switched to sun grown coffee in an effort to produce more beans, faster. Farmers cleared native trees and planted coffee plants in open fields under direct sunlight. 

Pros: 

● Higher yields in the short term

● Faster growing cycles 

Cons 

● Requires more chemical fertilizers and pesticides 

● Leads to soil erosion and nutrient depletion 

● Destroys bird habitats and biodiversity 

● Can produce harsher, more bitter-tasting beans

What Is Shade Grown Coffee? 

Shade grown coffee is cultivated under the natural canopy of taller trees. This method mimics coffee’s natural growing environment (coffee originally evolved as an understory plant in tropical forests). 

Benefits: 

● Better flavor: Beans mature more slowly, developing richer, more complex taste profiles.

● Healthier plants: Natural shade protects from extreme heat and pests, reducing the need for chemicals. 

● Supports wildlife: Preserves habitats for birds, insects, and other species, maintaining a balanced ecosystem. 

● Protects the soil: Tree cover prevents erosion, retains moisture, and enriches the soil with organic matter. 

Why We Choose Shade-Grown 

Every batch of Camano Island Coffee is shade grown and USDA Certified Organic. That means you’re getting coffee that’s not only delicious but also better for the environment, the farmers, and the future of coffee itself. 

It takes more time and care to grow coffee this way – but we believe it’s worth it for: 

● A smoother, more nuanced cup 

● Healthier farming communities 

● A planet that can keep growing coffee for generations to come

When you choose shade grown coffee, you’re doing more than enjoying a great cup – you’re supporting a sustainable, eco-friendly way of farming that benefits both people and the planet. 

So next time you pour yourself a fresh brew, know that those beans were grown the way nature intended: in the shade, slow and steady, with care. 

Click here to shop our shade grown coffee.
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Meet Our Honduras Dark Roast: A Cup Full of Comfort 

Meet Our Honduras Dark Roast: A Cup Full of Comfort 

At Camano Island Coffee Roasters, we believe every origin tells a story and Honduras has one of the richest. Nestled in the high-altitude regions of Central America, Honduras has become one of our most beloved single origin coffees. It’s the kind of coffee you don’t have to think too hard about – you just know it’s going to taste great – it’s like the golden retriever of coffee. Reliable, warm, and always a good idea. 

Rich, smooth, and just a little indulgent, this roast is known for its molasses, brown sugar, and cinnamon notes – the perfect combination for a cup that tastes like a fresh-baked molasses sugar cookie. Whether you’re savoring a quiet morning or powering through an afternoon, this coffee brings cozy comfort with every sip.

Our Honduras Dark Roast is grown in the beautiful Copán region of Honduras, an area famous for its fertile soil and perfect coffee growing climate. These beans are cultivated at high elevations – over 4,000 feet above sea level – which slows the growth process, allowing the coffee cherries to develop deeper, more complex flavors. 

We roast every batch to order, so your coffee is freshly roasted and shipped within 48 hours. That means you’re getting the fullest expression of those molasses, brown sugar, and cinnamon notes – without the staleness you might find in supermarket coffee. 

The dark roast profile brings out a smooth, full-bodied cup with low acidity, making it easy to drink black or with your favorite creamer. It’s a coffee that works just as well for your weekend French press as it does for your weekday drip machine. 

Why you’ll love it: 

● Tastes like a molasses sugar cookie in a cup

● Smooth, full-bodied flavor with warm spice notes 

● Grown in the Copán region at high elevations for complex taste

● Shade-grown, USDA Certified Organic, and ethically sourced 

● Freshly roasted and shipped within 48 hours 

If you’re looking for a coffee that’s rich, comforting, and perfect for any time of day, our Honduras Dark Roast is ready to make your mornings better. 

Click here to shop our Honduras Dark Roast
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Coffee Can Help Your Garden Grow!

Coffee Can Help Your Garden Grow!

Coffee isn’t just for jumpstarting your day—it can also energize your garden. With mindful use, those leftover grounds can be a powerful, eco-friendly boost for your backyard ecosystem.

Coffee grounds can offer several benefits to your plants and soil. Here’s how:

1. A Natural Fertilizer
Coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, an essential nutrient that promotes healthy plant growth. When composted, they break down into organic matter that improves soil structure, water retention, and aeration. You can sprinkle them around plants or add them to your compost pile for a natural nutrient boost.

Just remember: proper watering is key. Make sure the soil dries out between waterings to prevent mold from forming.

2. Natural Pest Repellent
Slugs, snails, and even some ants dislike the texture and smell of coffee. Sprinkling used grounds around the base of plants can create a natural barrier, helping protect tender greens like lettuce. As a bonus, it may also deter curious cats from napping—or worse—in your flower beds. However, it is important to note that coffee grounds can be harmful to pets like cats and dogs if digested in large doses. If you have a pet that likes to sample everything, it would be wise to avoid laying coffee grounds directly onto the garden. Bury them in your compost heap instead.

3. Attract Earthworms
Worms love coffee grounds—which is great news, since worms are essential for a healthy garden. They aerate the soil, break down organic material, and boost nutrient availability. Feeding your garden’s underground helpers can improve soil health from the ground up.

4. Sustainable Gardening
Using coffee grounds in your garden reduces kitchen waste and supports eco-friendly gardening practices. It’s a simple way to recycle what you already have and lessen the need for synthetic fertilizers.

Tips for Using Coffee Grounds in the Garden:

  • Don’t overdo it – Coffee grounds are acidic and can compact. Use in moderation and balance with other compost materials.
  • Use only used (brewed) grounds – Fresh grounds are too acidic for most plants.
  • Mix well – Blend grounds into compost or lightly mix into garden soil for best results.
  • Do your research – Not all plants love coffee. Lavender, rosemary, and ferns, for example, prefer more alkaline conditions.

Bottom line? Coffee grounds can be a valuable addition to your gardening routine—just use them wisely, and your plants will thank you!

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Let’s Talk About Our Indonesian Regional Blend

Let’s Talk About Our Indonesian Regional Blend

We know we shouldn’t play favourites… but there’s something about our Organic Indonesian Regional Blend that keeps us coming back for more.

It’s bold. It’s earthy. It’s rich in all the right ways. And if you’ve never tried it before, this is your sign to pour yourself a cup and settle in – because we’re about to tell you why this roast is so special.

It all starts with the soil. The beans in this blend come from high up in the mountains of Indonesia, where they grow in rich volcanic soil. That might sound like a small detail, but it makes a big difference.

This kind of soil gives the beans depth – it’s what brings out those roasted nut and toasted malt flavors that make this roast so grounding.

Let’s talk about flavor. This is a medium roast, but it’s got a full, creamy body that makes it feel extra satisfying. It’s smooth and strong at the same time – a rare combo.

Here’s what you’ll taste:

  • Roasted nuts (like hazelnut or almond)
  • A little toasted malt – like whole grain bread fresh from the oven
  • A touch of sweetness, but nothing overpowering

You know that moment when you open a fresh bag of coffee and suddenly the whole room smells amazing? This roast is that moment.

It has a strong floral and woody aroma – which sounds fancy, but really it just smells like stepping into the forest after it rains. It’s fresh, it’s earthy, and it makes you want to slow down and breathe it all in.

Of course, like all our coffee, this roast is:

  • 100% Organic
  • Shade-grown
  • Fairly traded
  • Roasted in small batches right here on Camano Island

We do it this way so every cup is as fresh, ethical, and flavorful as possible. No bitterness. No mystery blends. Just clean, beautiful coffee from good places.

Ready to try it?

This is the kind of roast you reach for on a rainy day. Or when you want something bold but still smooth. It’s the one you drink slowly – because it’s that good.

If you haven’t tried it yet, give it a go. And if you have – tell us what you taste in your cup. We’d love to hear it!

Click here to try our Indonesian blend.
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Coffee Beans Aren’t Really Beans—They’re Seeds!

Coffee Beans Aren’t Really Beans – They’re Seeds!

If you’re a coffee lover, you probably talk about “coffee beans” all the time – how they’re roasted, ground, brewed, and savored. But here’s a little-known fact that might surprise you: coffee beans aren’t beans at all. They’re seeds!

So, What Exactly Is a Coffee Bean?

Coffee beans are the seeds of the fruit of the coffee plant. These fruits are called coffee cherries—small, round, and typically bright red or purple when ripe. Inside each cherry, you’ll usually find two seeds nestled together. These are what we call coffee beans. The term “bean” comes from their shape, which resembles true beans like kidney or pinto beans. But botanically speaking, they have nothing to do with legumes. They’re actually more like the pit of a peach or cherry—the seed of a stone fruit.

From Cherry to Cup

Once harvested, coffee cherries go through a processing method to remove the fruit and pulp, leaving behind the seeds.

This can be done in one of 3 ways: 

  1. Dry Process. This is the natural method and is the oldest and most traditional way for the seeds to be removed from the fruit.
  2. Washed Process. This method is commonly used for high quality Arabica beans. 
  3. Semi-Washed. This method is a hybrid between the dry and washed processes.

Each method affects the flavor of the final coffee and the coffee’s environmental impact. The seeds are then dried and roasted to make the delicious brew we all love. But before roasting, they’re green in color and smell nothing like coffee!

What happens to the cherry after the coffee seed is removed?

Normally the discarded cherry is used as compost on the coffee farm. This returns the nutrients back into the soil. However, sometimes the cherry is used to make Cascara – a tea-like beverage with a unique mild and fruity flavor. The fleshy part of the cherry, known as the coffee pulp can be used in animal feed or as a substrate for growing certain types of mushrooms. 

Why does It Matter?

Understanding the journey of coffee, from fruit to seed to cup helps us appreciate just how remarkable this drink is. It also reminds us that coffee is an agricultural product, deeply connected to the soil, climate, and care of farmers around the world. Every cup you drink represents a long and fascinating journey.

If you plant a coffee bean, will it grow a coffee tree?

If you plant an unroasted coffee seed, it can sprout and grow into a coffee tree, although it takes a few years before it produces its own cherries. Roasted coffee beans, however, are essentially cooked and sadly won’t grow into anything.

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Why Fair Trade and Organic Coffee Matter to Us

Why Fair Trade and Organic Coffee Matter to Us

At Camano Island Coffee Roasters, we believe coffee should do more than just taste good—it should do good. That’s why all of our coffee is 100% organic and fairly traded. These aren’t just labels to us—they reflect our long-standing commitment to ethical sourcing, environmental responsibility, and long-term relationships with farmers.

When it comes to helping coffee farmers, there are no quick fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions. The reality is far more complex than simply “buying fair trade.”

At Camano Island Coffee Roasters, we believe in taking a more hands-on, thoughtful approach to supporting farmers and their communities—one that goes beyond certifications and price tags to build long-term, sustainable change.

All of our coffee is 100% organic and comes from the top 1% grade Arabica beans. These beans are not only better in flavor and quality—they’re also more scarce, which naturally commands a higher price.

We pay above the fair trade rate for our beans. But that’s not just about price—it’s about value. By sourcing only the highest quality coffee, we help incentivize farmers to focus on producing the best tasting coffee possible. And because we work directly with farmers, we’re able to provide feedback and build relationships that support continuous improvement in both quality and sustainability.

Why Organic Matters

Our commitment to organic coffee isn’t just about taste—it’s about responsibility.

Organic coffee is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. This benefits both people and the planet:

  • Healthier for farmers – Reduces exposure to harmful chemicals
  • Healthier for the environment – Protects soil, water, and local ecosystems
  • Healthier for you – No chemical residues in your morning cup

By choosing organic, we support farming methods that work in harmony with nature—and that help preserve farmland for future generations.

Partnering with Nonprofit Organizations

In addition to paying premium prices, we support nonprofits that are doing the difficult, transformative work of helping farmers achieve long-term independence and security.

We currently partner with two outstanding organizations:

🌿 Agros International – Agros helps coffee farmers build profitable, sustainable businesses by providing shared processing facilities, training in eco-friendly farming, and support for certifications like Rainforest Alliance. Their land-ownership model enables families to own their farms and increase long-term wealth. Agros also connects farmers to ethical buyers and premium markets, turning subsistence farming into thriving, climate-resilient enterprises.

🌱 Food 4 Farmers – Food 4 Farmers partners with coffee-farming families and co-ops across Latin America to build local food hubs, diversify incomes through home gardens, beekeeping, agroforestry and farmers’ markets, and teach sustainable farming and climate-smart practices—helping families feed themselves year‑round

To support this work, we commit 2% of all Coffee Lovers Club sales directly to these nonprofit partners.

No Easy Answers—Just Honest Effort

We know that helping farmers in the developing world is a complex, ongoing challenge. But we believe that intentional sourcing, direct relationships, and thoughtful partnerships are meaningful steps in the right direction.

We’re proud of the impact we’ve been able to make and we’re committed to continuing the hard work of learning, improving, and growing alongside the farmers who make our coffee possible.

And for us, it all starts with asking the right questions—just like the one that brought you here.

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From Plastic To Benches:

From Plastic To Benches: John Haddock’s Mission

In a world overwhelmed by plastic waste, one local resident is proving that a bit of determination and a whole lot of heart can turn trash into lasting community tributes.

John Haddock of the Stanwood Lions Club has been quietly running an impressive environmental effort since October 2022. His mission? Collect 1,000 pounds of soft plastic a year and exchange it for a Trex bench.

Using Ecotact liner bags from Camano Island Coffee Roasters, along with plastic from the Stanwood Food Bank and Stanwood Ace Hardware, John participates in the Trex Recycling Challenge. For every 1,000 pounds collected, Trex donates a durable bench made entirely of the recycled plastic.

These benches don’t just reduce plastic waste. Each one is donated by the Stanwood Lions Club in memory or honor of a community member who made a difference. So far, John has donated to Childhood Cancer and the Stanwood Food Bank. The next will commemorate the Hamilton Family, to be placed near the historic Hamilton Smokestack.

How It Works:

John collects plastic from:

  • Camano Island Coffee Roasters (Ecotact bags)
  • Stanwood Food Bank
  • Stanwood Ace Hardware

He sorts, weighs, logs, and photographs the plastic, then drops it off at Haggen in Stanwood. The plastic is then picked up by Trex, a decking company that recycles the material into outdoor furniture. The full process is managed through the Trex Recycling Challenge.

This grassroots recycling effort requires time, energy, and patience. Even after reaching his annual goal, John continues collecting for months without reward, all in the name of sustainability and community service.

“It’s not an easy project,” says John, “but it gives the Lions Club a chance to do something good for the environment, and we get to honor local heroes.”

Camano Island Coffee Roasters is proud to support John’s mission — showing that, in the right hands, even coffee packaging can make a difference.

To learn more or get involved visit nextrex.com/view/recyclingchallenge

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Farm Update: Juana María Chavarría Centeno’s Story.

Farm Update: Juana María Chavarría Centeno’s Story.

In August 2023 we shared Juana Centeno’s story and how she had joined the La Bendicion village in Nicaragua. This year we have an update on Juana and her farm. She is still growing coffee, chaya(a type of squash), lettuce, corn, and beans. But, thanks to her hard work and the market lead strategies from Agros, Juana has sold enough crops to pay off her loan. Juana is now a land owner.  

From Extreme Poverty to Prosperity: Juana’s Story.

Juana María Chavarría Centeno, a 56-year-old woman from Jinotega, Nicaragua, has lived a life marked by struggle and sacrifice. As a mother of seven, Juana worked tirelessly on farms for over 30 years to support her family, facing harsh working conditions and extreme poverty. Yet, she embodies resilience and perseverance, proving that even in the midst of adversity, it is possible to keep a heart full of hope. This is her life story—a life full of challenges in a state of extreme poverty.

Since the age of 18, Juana sought work on farms, taking on various tasks such as preparing meals for workers, milking up to 29 cows per day, and laboring as a farmhand during coffee harvest seasons. She slept very few hours, and during milking periods, she had to wake up at 1:00 a.m. to have the milk ready by 6:00 a.m., when the truck would arrive to collect it.

“I felt like a slave to those landowners, but necessity forced us to stay. If the landowner treated us poorly, we would move to another farm, but in the end, it was always the same treatment,” Juana recalls. Despite her hard work and sacrifices, she could not adequately meet her family’s basic needs—daily bread, a decent home, basic healthcare, and education.

At the age of 23, Juana met the father of her children. After 33 years together, he abandoned the family, leaving her responsible for their three youngest children. Despite her relentless efforts, she faced conditions of extreme poverty, earning barely $1 a day, which equated to $0.14 per capita—far below the extreme poverty line.

God’s Plan and Her Path to Prosperity

“For over 30 years, I was a slave on farms, but I managed to survive. God had a purpose for me through Agros,” Juana said, expressing confidence that her life would one day turn around. Everything changed in 2015 when Juana was selected to join Agros’ program in the community of La Bendición. It was thanks to Edwin, her eldest son, who was part of the first families in the program in this village, that Juana found the opportunity to rewrite her story.

By then, Juana no longer had the support of her children’s father, nor a home to live in. She was still living in extreme poverty, with no assets other than her labor.

A New Beginning

Through Agros’ program, Juana and her seven children built a dignified home and received 2.66 manzanas (4.6 acres) of land. She began by planting corn and beans to ensure her family’s food security. Later, with financial support and technical assistance from Agros, she planted 3.45 acres of coffee.

“When I arrived in this community, I cried tears of joy. I had always asked God to give me the opportunity to have something of my own, for my family to have the chance to live in a decent home and work their own land. We were tired of constantly moving from one place to another,” she shares.

Construction and Early Growth (2016)

Three years after Agros’ intervention in her productive activities, Juana successfully developed 2 manzanas (3.45 acres) of coffee—a crop she has continued to maintain each year. This achievement required hard work, including training in good agricultural practices for coffee production, performing the necessary tasks to establish and harvest the crop, and dedicating herself daily to its management, relying solely on her own labor and that of her children.

In addition to coffee, Juana diversified her production by growing various vegetables. This not only strengthened her agricultural and business management skills but also ensured her family’s food security.

Growth (2017–2021)

From 2017 to 2021, Juana continued with her coffee cultivation. It was thanks to the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 harvests that she obtained gross sales of US$20,197, allowing her to pay off her land payment in the amount of US$6,310.09. In this way, Juana became a property owner 8 and a half years after her arrival in the Agros program. She was able to fulfill her dream of “having something that was mine.”

Always taking care of the coffee crop, Juana started planting chaya, a nutritious and versatile plant, from which she obtained a very good income, thanks to the economic and technical support of Agros. From the chaya crop, which she started at the end of 2023 and continues into 2024, she has gross sales of US$1,360.

Prosperity (2022–to Date)

Juana is now in a state of prosperity, with her goal being to maintain productive self-sufficiency and integral well-being. Her participation in Agros has resulted in a remarkable transformation.

To date, her net worth is US$47,460, including her home and productive land:

  • Area built for housing: 1 lot of 0.11 acres.
  • Area destined for production: 1 lot of 4.6 acres for coffee production and beans.

“Although I am already a little old, my dream is for my children and grandchildren to have better opportunities. If I didn’t manage to study, I want them to have that opportunity. Every day I wake up with the motivation to go to work on my plot of land, in my own time and with my own effort. I know that no one is behind me, with a penetrating gaze supervising me. That is a great relief for me and for my children. I have always wanted to change this history of slavery,” Juana says with tears of joy.

Over the years, as she has steadily increased her income, Juana has invested in improving her home, especially in the kitchen area, which she enjoys.

From Laborer to Thriving Agricultural Producer

Juana has gone from being a day laborer with no assets to a thriving agricultural producer who manages her crops with a sustainable and profitable business approach. Over the years, she has strengthened her agricultural knowledge, turning herself into a producer with the competencies and skills to manage her coffee, chaya, and basic grains crops, while also commercializing her harvests in the formal market. This shift has significantly increased her income, grown her assets, and improved her quality of life.

Impact Beyond Economics

Beyond the economic transformation, the Agros program has profoundly impacted Juana’s personal and community development. She has developed resilience and resource management mechanisms that have enabled her to achieve her economic goals and contribute to social development. As a resident of La Bendición, her story inspires other families who are moving forward on their path to prosperity.

To date, Juana has been living in La Bendición for 9 years and was recently elected as a member of the new board of directors of her community. She recognizes her capacity to participate and contribute to the development of her village. Juana is a living testimony of how an agricultural producer can achieve transformation, and her story continues to inspire other families seeking their own path to prosperity.

To learn more about Agros click here

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José’s Story: Sowing Seeds of Change – From Day Laborer to Independent Farmer

José’s Story: Sowing Seeds of Change – From Day Laborer to Independent Farmer

Life Before Joining the Project

For José Evenor Castro Blandón, life before joining the Harvest of Hope Center (HHC) was marked by long, exhausting days as a day laborer on coffee farms. Earning only $6.30 per day, he struggled to provide for his family, which includes his wife, Lucía del Rosario Blandón (32), and their three children: Johner Brayan (17), Ashley Jisell (10), and Breynis Joad (2).

The family lived in the El Galope community, where José owns a 4.94-acre (2 manzanas) plot of inherited land. While part of it was used to grow coffee, the returns were insufficient to meet the family’s basic needs, such as food, clothing, and education. This reality left José constantly searching for better opportunities.

“I had to work on coffee farms, and with the little I earned, I had to pay for everything — food, water, electricity, and clothes. It wasn’t enough,” he recalls.

But everything changed in August 2023 when José applied to the Harvest of Hope Center (HHC) program. Inspired by the success stories of nearby producers, he saw an opportunity to break free from the cycle of poverty.

A New Opportunity to Grow

The Harvest of Hope Center offered José something he had never had before: training, access to modern agricultural techniques, and support to diversify his crops. With guidance from Agros technicians, he embarked on his first planting project—a crop of Nathalie chili peppers—grown on a 0.32-acre (0.13 manzana) plot protected by a mesh greenhouse.

“I didn’t know anything about vegetables, but with Agros’ training, I learned how to care for the plants and monitor the crops,” José says.

Through technical support, he learned critical skills like pest control, crop rotation, and the use of irrigation systems. With the backing of HHC, José now had his own plot and access to an independent irrigation system—tools that would mark the beginning of his transformation.

Milestones and Achievements

José Evenor Castro Blandón’s journey with Agros has been marked by significant achievements in both production and financial growth. Over a period of 9 months, José generated $15,675 in total sales, a testament to his hard work and commitment. Out of this amount, he secured $4,474 as working capital and cash advances, which has enabled him to reinvest in future production and improve his family’s living conditions.

His efforts resulted in a net income of $11,201, providing his family with an average daily income of $10.37 per person — a substantial improvement from his previous work as a day laborer. Notably, José exceeded his initial production goal of 56,000 units, achieving an impressive 205,357 units. By fully adopting 100% of the basic production practices taught by Agros, José has laid the groundwork for sustained growth and greater economic security for his family.

Life After Joining the Project

The changes in José’s life are clear. His days as a farm laborer are over. He now works on his own land, growing his own vegetables, and earning more than he ever did before. This shift has given him greater control over his time, allowing him to spend more time with his family.

His wife, Lucía, and his children have noticed the change. The household has seen tangible improvements, including the installation of a bath battery, providing them with better sanitary conditions.

“Now I have knowledge of how to cultivate and manage crops. I’ve learned to produce higher-quality harvests, and I feel proud of it,” José says.

With more financial stability, his children have brighter prospects for their future. His oldest son, Johner, is now studying for a technical degree in agronomy, a goal that José and his wife strongly support.

Dreams for the Future

Looking ahead, José has big dreams. He hopes to:

  • Build a better home for his family.
  • Buy a motorcycle to make transportation more efficient.
  • Dedicate a section of his inherited plot to vegetable farming to increase production and profits.
  • Support his son Johner in earning a technical degree in agronomy, allowing him to follow in his father’s footsteps as an agricultural entrepreneur.

A Message of Gratitude

“With the vegetable business, you can make good profits, but it’s important to get a good harvest with high quality to sell it at a better price. It’s very important to have a good market,” says José, reflecting on what he has learned from the process.

He is quick to recognize the role of Agros and its donors in his journey. “I thank God, who comes first, and I also thank Agros International and the donors. This project is a blessing for every one of us.”

With his skills growing and his vision for the future clear, José Evenor Castro Blandón is no longer just a day laborer. He is a farmer, an entrepreneur, and a role model for his children, showing them that with knowledge and perseverance, change is possible.

To learn more about the work of Agros click here
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Damaris’s Story: Breaking The Cycle Of Poverty Through Entrepreneurship

Damaris’s Story: Breaking The Cycle Of Poverty Through Entrepreneurship

Damaris Ochoa López, a 44-year- old single mother from Matagalpa, Nicaragua, has experienced a profound transformation in her life. As a mother of five, she faced immense challenges, working tirelessly as a day laborer to provide for her family. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of opportunity.

A LIFE OF STRUGGLE

Damaris’s journey began in hardship. At just 9 years old, her parents migrated to Matagalpa in search of better opportunities. From a young age, she joined her mother as a day laborer in the fields which made it difficult for her to attend school. Damaris reached only the second year of secondary school before leaving to work full-time.

She married young and life became more challenging when the father of her children left a decade ago. As a single mother, she struggled to make ends meet, earning less than $1 per day. Her income from day labor and renting land for corn and bean cultivation wasn’t sufficient to feed her children. She didn’t even have basic services like reliable water or electricity.

Living in a room made of rough wood and a roof of leaves, Damaris’s family faced daily struggles. “I felt trapped in poverty, unable to provide my children with the future they deserved,” she recalls, her voice heavy with emotion. Her children’s education suffered as they too, had to earn what they could through labor in the fields.

THE TURNING POINT

But last year, Agros learned of Damaris’ plight. We recognized her strengths and determination and invited her to join our Harvest of Hope Center program in La Bendición. This marked a turning point in her life.

Damaris eagerly participated in agricultural activities and community initiatives, including a local savings group. She started upgrades to her housing, improving her family’s health and hygiene.

“I never imagined that I would have the opportunity to participate in a project of this nature,” Damaris reflects. “I am forever grateful to God for His constant guidance, for granting me strength, health, and the capacity to learn new things each and every day.”

NEW CHAPTER OF PROSPERITY

In December 2023, Damaris’s first planting plan yielded over 55,485 units of Nathalie chili peppers, surpassing all expectations. With a net profit of $2,665 from her first vegetable production cycle, she planted crops of cabbage and lettuce. Her newfound skills have empowered her to manage her crops effectively, leading to increased yields and income.

“Before joining Agros, I solely worked with basic grains and struggled with poor harvests and financial losses. Now that I have my own crop, I am generating better income at a faster rate, which is greatly benefiting me,” she shares. “This opportunity will allow me to pursue other endeavors. I have acquired a wealth of knowledge, and I am finally in a position to achieve my long-held dream of building a safe and healthy home.”

With newfound hope and motivation, Damaris dreams of finishing her home, buying additional land, and ensuring her children’s educational needs are met. She aspires to leave a legacy for her children — the titles to her home and farm land.

Damaris’s journey from extreme poverty to newfound prosperity is a testament to the power of opportunity, community support, and personal determination. Her story inspires others in her community, proving that with the right support and dedication, transformation is possible.

“I am deeply appreciative of Agros for providing me with this opportunity,” Damaris says. “I feel immensely supported by the instruction I have received in vegetable cultivation, the maya house, and the income that I will be able to generate for my household.”

To learn more about the work of Agros Click Here