Reflection from the first edition of Farmer School in Mexico
It’s a joy to share that the first edition of Farmer School in Mexico concluded on August 8, 2025, at the Colegio de Postgraduados, Campus Córdoba. Over eight months, this program brought together women coffee producers from communities across Veracruz in a journey of learning, mentorship, and transformation—leaving lasting marks on their lives… and ours.
We kicked off in March with our first in-person camp, reflecting together on gender, community, productive diversification, and food security. By April, we hosted a second camp where researchers from the Colegio de Postgraduados offered hands-on courses in raising chickens, beekeeping, nursery management, and permaculture principles, while the Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro (UAAAN) shared business tools and the Canvas model. This blend of technical skills and entrepreneurial guidance opened new horizons for the participants. Later, UAAAN students stepped into mentorship roles, supporting each woman as she built her action plan. Between sessions, WhatsApp groups, workbooks, and virtual check-ins became vibrant spaces for motivation and trust.
The next stage challenged the women to present their projects to a panel of evaluators, including specialists from both universities. The results were inspiring: 95% of participants submitted proposals, and after a rigorous review, 69% received seed capital—up to 10,000 pesos (~$500 USD) per project—for initiatives spanning hen keeping, beekeeping, and coffee nurseries.
Implementation followed, and the creativity, dedication, and resilience of the women shone through. Photos, notes, and testimonials documented every step. Challenges emerged, yes—but so did renewed energy and determination that rippled through families and communities. One participant shared, “Seeing my daughters excited about the chickens gives me the strength to keep going.” Another captured the spirit of the program perfectly: “When women work together and support each other, we are unstoppable.”
Between June and July, monitoring and evaluation combined phone calls, site visits, and individual feedback. These conversations confirmed that what had been learned was taking root—not just in the soil, but in homes, in confidence, and in daily practice.
Graduation on August 8 was more than a ceremony—it was a celebration of community. A day filled with participatory research, hugs, photos, a shared meal, and diplomas recognizing not only academic effort but the human courage and commitment behind every project.
As the leader of Farmer Schools Mexico, I can say with certainty: this is just the beginning. When women farmers have access to learning spaces, mentorship, and initial resources, they can transform their lives and their communities sustainably. Farmer School Mexico 2025 marks the start of a journey that will continue to grow in fields, homes, and villages across Veracruz.
A heartfelt thank you to the Coffee Circle, Minor Figures, Colegio de Postgraduados, UAAAN, our evaluators, and mentors. This collective achievement belongs to many hands and many hearts.
Written by:
Itzel Mendoza Olmos
Program Lead, Farmer School Mexico