Soy is frequently perceived as a crop that has contributed to the degradation of thousands of hectares of forests and agricultural soil (especially in South America) and it is often associated with genetically modified food. However, we believe that non-genetically soy (Non-GM soy) can have an important role in agroecological systems.  Furthermore, it could be a strategic crop to help reduce malnutrition in countries like Guatemala, especially among rural communities. Extensive studies have shown that regular intake of corn flour and soy flour in specific amounts by children from birth to the age of 7 helps improve their development and performance throughout their entire lives. The purpose of our program is to promote non-GM soy as a crop that should be used in association or rotation with other crops in order to create value chains that can contribute to economic development and food security among Guatemalan low-income rural communities in sustainable ways.

1. Agro-ecology: Agro-ecology is an approach that promotes the production of food by maximizing the use of natural resources. Guatemala has made important contributions to agro-ecology thanks to the Campesino a Campesino movement that started there in the 1970s. We promote the production of soybeans based on this local knowledge as a means of preserving natural resources and avoiding the use of agrochemicals.
2. Crop improvement: Soybeans are not a native crop of Guatemala, so they are unknown to most farmers. However, a variety of soybeans was introduced a while ago and over the years it has adapted to the conditions of different regions. We seek to recover and improve this variety, as well as to identify new genetic lines in order to promote the production of certified seeds.
3. Mechanization: One of the most significant limitations small farmers face – not only in regards to soybeans but to most crops – is the lack of access to mechanical equipment that allows them to increase their productivity. We are interested in facilitating multi-sectoral partnerships for manufacturing and subsidizing equipment to small farmers for tilling, planting, harvesting and processing soybeans and other crops.
4. Processing: Soybeans need to be processed so that they can be used for nutrition. We promote cost-effective processing methods that can help improve their nutritional value in humans and animals.
5. Entrepreneurship: We are interested in facilitating the development of business models that can make the proposed soybean value chain financially and environmentally sustainable for all participating actors in Guatemala.
6. Capacity Development: As a key strategy across all our activities, we do our best to help small farmers strengthen their capacities so that they can increase their income and contribute to economic development and the food security in their communities.