The sun hadn't even risen yet as we headed to the airport in Guatemala City at 4:30am to catch a flight to Nicaragua for the next leg of our journey. The upside to being early risers was we were able to get over thirty people through the exit tax line and customs stations without a hitch. I think we all caught a little shut eye on the 55 minute flight to Managua.
The group divided into two at the airport. Group 1 boarded a very "cozy" minibus piled high with luggage strapped to the top and stocked with sandwiches on board for sustance during the four hour ride to Cusmapa. Upon arrival, Group 1 visited the communities where early childhood nutrition projects are underway using FortiSoyTM, a complementary soy protein and micronutrient supplement created by NSRL. Staff from Fabretto Children's Foundation (FCF) were our hosts when we arrived in Cusmapa. They are the in-country partners for this project and were eager to share how well the project is progressing and introduce us to the children who are benefiting from FortiSoyTM.
Group 2 headed to a meeting with a local company who is producing soymilk, soy beverage mixes and marketing Textured Soy Protein. The get together generated lively discussions and dialogue about collaboration opportunities. An additional meeting was held with our partners at Cargill Tip Top about future plans. The end result was many opportunities and great enthusiam for projects in the upcoming year.
The evening wrapped up with a dinner with the USDA Ag Attache from the U.S. Embassy. Trade discussions and USDA programs were topics of conversation during the delicious meal of local Nicaraguan cuisine.
After a long day, everyone was looking forward to a good night's sleep. Tomorrow will be another full day of site visits and meetings as we wrap up what has turned out to be not only worthwhile, but a highly productive trip to Central America.
Warmest Regards,
Bridget
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With every USDA sponsored foreign venture, and along with it promoting genetic engineered practices, you should pause and savor the local Nicaraguan fare. No doubt, once the GM seed and Roundup are introduced, the once pristine food systems will be changed, for the worse, forever.
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