Erick cultivated a small coffee plot and grew corn and beans primarily to feed his family. To make ends meet, he also worked as a day laborer on neighboring farms whenever work was available.
"The hardest part was not having enough money to invest in my crops or even buy food for my family," Erick recalls.
Even his coffee harvest offered little security. With limited market access, he had little choice but to sell to intermediaries at low prices, leaving him with only a fraction of the value of his hard work.
"We grew corn and beans, but a family can't live on that alone. And when there wasn't any day labor available, things became even more difficult."
Everything began to change in March 2026, when Erick joined Agros' La Fortaleza Harvest of Hope Center.
"I felt this was a great opportunity that God was opening for my family and me."
Today, Erick is cultivating jalapeño peppers, but he says the greatest gift has been far more than a new crop. Through the Harvest of Hope Center, he has gained access to modern greenhouse production, technical training, and weekly coaching in soil preparation, irrigation, pest management, and sustainable farming practices. For the first time, he is learning how to produce higher-value crops while preparing to sell into reliable markets.
"The training, the infrastructure, the technology, and the support we receive every week have been completely new to me."
Now, as Erick watches his first crop mature, each growing plant represents more than a harvest—it represents hope.
"It's incredible to watch the fruits grow every day. This harvest is the result of months of hard work. At the beginning, it wasn't easy, but now we can see what's possible."
The experience has also transformed the way he sees his future.
"The future is built by the effort we make today. Agros has walked alongside us every step of the way, helping us improve."
When asked what this opportunity means to him, Erick smiles.
"I love the name 'Harvest of Hope,' because that's exactly what this opportunity represents for my family."
For Erick, the Harvest of Hope Center is about much more than growing vegetables. It is about strengthening families, creating opportunity, and building a future where his children can thrive.
To those whose generosity makes this work possible, Erick shares a heartfelt message:
"Thank you for your commitment to our communities and our families. Your support is helping us build a better future."
Because of partners like you, families like Erick's are moving beyond day labor toward ownership, entrepreneurship, and lasting prosperity. Through access to training, technology, financing, and markets, they are transforming hard work into thriving businesses—and hope into a legacy for the next generation.
"May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands."
Psalm 90:17 (NIV)