USAID-ACCESO • Snapshot • December 2013

The association, led by Pánfilo Meza, consists of 25 members who have increased their average potato yields by 230 percent since adopting good agricultural practices. These practices include soil preparation, raised beds, drip irrigation systems, and calendarized planting programs. The project technicians working with the association have also introduced postharvest specialists to teach farmers best practices for efficient product handling, classification, washing, and packing. This has enabled the farmers to meet quality standards for formal markets and sell their potatoes to national supermarket chains, including Hortifruti y La Colonia, at a significantly higher price. Prior to working with USAID-ACCESO, the farmers sold their potatoes to individual brokers at around $0.43 per kilogram, but are now earning more than double at $0.97 per kilogram. The increased income has had a positive impact on the farmers' lives, enabling them to pay for their children's education, transportation, and healthcare. The farmers are also exploring opportunities to invest in new crops to diversify their production. The association's success is a result of the technical assistance provided by USAID-ACCESO, which has helped the farmers establish concrete relationships with local, regional, and international buyers, ensuring a reliable source of income. In the department of Intibucá, Honduras, potato production is one of the main sources of income for many families. However, most farmers are not producing up to their potential. USAID-ACCESO is working with small groups of farmers to enhance production through continuous on-farm training and technical assistance. The project's focus on good agricultural practices and calendarized planting programs has enabled the farmers to increase their yields and establish relationships with buyers, ensuring a reliable source of income. The success of the El Rodeo potato association is a model for other farmers in the region. By adopting good agricultural practices and establishing relationships with buyers, farmers can increase their yields and income, improving their overall well-being. The project's focus on technical assistance and market access has enabled the farmers to overcome the obstacles that previously limited their production and income.