A recent storm blew through southern Mexico, bringing heavy winds and causing damage to some areas of Colima, including part of the farms that supply Organics Unlimited bananas to the US. In total about 180 acres at El Tesoro, the premiere farm for the company, received some damage. While this definitely can impact availability, every effort is being made to fulfill orders in the normal way. Fortunately with multiple farms under the company’s management, there should be available supply for both immediate and long-term orders.
According to General Manager for Production, Alberto Ramirez, one of the biggest difficulties is the clean up from this type of natural disaster on a farm. And while it is an undertaking to get the damage cleaned up so that the acreage can be back in production, Ramirez has a special connection to the farm he’s now managing. As a former GROW scholar, it was GROW bananas that made it possible for him to continue his studies through the University of Colima and to now be in the position he is in. And one of the things that all GROW scholars learn is the value of giving back to their communities.
On Saturday, Ramirez organized a team of current GROW students to come to the Organics Unlimited farms and volunteer their services to help in the clean-up efforts. 17 of the current scholars spent the day clearing the downed banana plants, salvaging what could be kept and clearing debris. While the work was hard, the atmosphere and attitude of these young people showed the true connection that is developed between these scholarship recipients and their sponsor – GROW. After many years together, this is truly a community that is here to support each other. And it’s a silver lining to a devastating storm for Organics Unlimited.
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