The center of excellence consists of a 20-hectare model farm and a food processing center. In addition to growing various crops, the sustainable organic farm is used for training and education purposes of local farmers as well as international stakeholders. We facilitate experience sharing and partnerships while strengthening local, national and international networks.

In 2022, we will start building the two cooperatives with local farmers in staple crops (corn, cassava, plantains) and cash crops (pineapple, vegetables). Each cooperative is expected to include about 200 farmers. Through training, farmers learn how to grow organically and they generate additional income for their families.

We rely on CO2 sequestration using plant carbon and agroforestry systems to protect natural resources for future generations. We gently process the food we produce to preserve secondary plant compounds that are essential for a healthy diet. Meals are used to provide information about ingredients and medicinal values.

Learners expand their knowledge primarily through hands-on engagement, supplemented by teaching the underlying theory of each practice. Similar to the vocational education system in Switzerland, learners perform hands-on work four days a week and learn the underlying theory of each practice on the fifth workday of the week.

Workshops with local and national decision makers are also designed to ensure that we influence public discourse and national policy.