In the first year of the program we have supplied 12 bee hives to farmers around the island, including initial set-up and ongoing education for each beekeeper, beehive boxes, and a colony of honeybees for every beehive. Farmer Freddy in Salinas has even successfully rescued 2 colonies of honeybees near his property!
Each farm and beekeepers receive on-going training and support for the bees. The primary purpose of our bee initiative is to boost crop production on the farms with better pollination as a direct result of the introduction of bees. In addition to an increase in crops production, we are contributing to the overall bee populations around the island.
We now preparing for our first honey harvest by the end of 2025! In addition to continued bee education, Levantando will include hands on workshops for honey harvest and honey bottling. The overall impact for each farmer is a noticeable increase in crops from increased pollination from the bees. The resulting honey harvest will serve as an additional revenue stream for our farmers.
We are busy as bees at Levantando! Where have the last 6 months gone?
During the intense spring rains earlier this year, annual maintenance and registration was completed for all the shared During the intense spring rains earlier this year, annual maintenance and registration was completed for all the shared equipment.
The Vermeer wood chipper is currently on-site in Manati after a multiple farm tour through Canovanas, Ceiba, and Humacao. Next stop is Fajardo and continued use along the eastern coast of the island.
We have supplied shared equipment & tools for 3 community led brigades, where multiple farming families participated in tree trimming and removal to produce mulch from the wood chipper.
Our newest equipment purchase is a double axel equipment trailer to assist with equipment and supply deliveries.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Annual fundraiser – Would you like to help us plan the annual fundraiser? We are looking for volunteers to assist with:
- Venue selection & scheduling
- Promoting the annual fundraiser event and ticket sales
- Collecting art and experiences for the silent auction
- Event assistance for check-in, silent auction, and support
- Outreach team to manage the Levantando booth at farmers markets to promote awareness for potential donors and eligible farmers
- Bilingual volunteer to assist with equipment scheduling and coordinate equipment transportation
- Equipment transport – drop off and pick up equipment and tools around the island. Requires 4WD heavy duty pickup truck with tow hitch and experienced driver
