Guatemala: ‘Seeds of Tomorrow’ greenhouse will feed local school children

A new greenhouse is to feed school children in Central America. Greenhouse builder KUBO, along with a wide range of sponsors, will build a greenhouse in Guatemala as part of a major project in the poverty-stricken country. The project was set up by the Canadian tomato grower Casey Houweling.

Guatemala is the fourth most malnourished country in the world, with 50% of children and up to 85% of indigenous Mayan population suffering in the country. In June 2012, Casey Houweling, president and CEO of Houweling’s Tomatoes travelled to the remote mountain region of Tactic. Upon arriving, he could never have predicted the life-changing experience that was about to unfold.

Upon returning to North America, Houweling had a vision as to how a greenhouse tomato farmer could help change the cycle of child hunger in Tactic. “As a farmer, I couldn’t get over that the climate of the region is well suited for growing, however the majority of crops in the ground were unproductive corn varieties. How could the life of the children in these schools improve, if they were receiving nutritious fruits and vegetables, growing children need?” While the region offers a great growing climate, daily afternoon showers can be intense and wash away freshly planted seeds. This is where the Seeds of Tomorrow Project was born. “What if we could provide a greenhouse safe from the elements to grow seedlings to such a size that they could withstand the rains in the fields?” wondered Casey.

Known within the Greenhouse industry as a visionary and a pioneer, Houweling immediately put the project in gear by committing $30,000 of the estimated $60,000 required to prepare the site for the greenhouse build. Kubo Sustainable Greenhouse Projects from Holland, agreed to donate the required structure. In working with their employees and valued supply partners, Kubo successfully secured over €180,000 in materials, donations and labour that will result in 2 full containers leaving Holland this month bound for Tactic.

"Casey Houweling asked if we wanted to help with the project and wanted to donate a greenhouse. We then approached a large number of suppliers, customers and associates for contributions, many of whom were enthusiastic and wanted to support the idea. Thanks to their support construction can begin," says Wouter Kuiper, CEO of KUBO.

Production of the 480 square meter greenhouse has been completed. In January, employees of KUBO have sacrificed their day off to produce the greenhouse. All materials are currently en route by ship to Central America. KUBO will also supervise the construction. A big adventure, according to Eef ter Laak. He will join the project in May, staying for two weeks.

Suppliers and partners in this project: thanks on behalf KUBO for your heart-warming support and contribution to the project "Seeds of Tomorrow" in Guatemala! More information on www.houwelings.com/blog/guatemala

To show your support, please visit www.Houwelings.com and make a secure, tax deductible donation. If you or your company would like to get involved, email [email protected]

Please contact Sonja Nederpel by calling 0174 286 161 or email [email protected] or Eef ter Laak by calling 06 43235854 or email [email protected].