TCI’s pilot initiative to give fruit trees for Christmas to Haitian farmers and gardeners who were wiped out by hurricane Matthew is off to a great start. Supporters will be happy to know that the first batch, which includes avocado, mango, orange and cocoa trees, has been gathered at our nursery and is ready for delivery.

Loading the pickup with cacao seedlings

TCI’s approach is to deliver development assistance in ways that strengthen local governance: we deliver technical and economic support through local organizations. So delivery is being done through farmers’ groups, schools, and women’s organizations in the devastated southern townships of Jeremie, Abricots and Cavaillon.

TCI staff and volunteers rushing to load mango seedlings.

Building on the success, TCI will expand the program to deliver more trees in the New Year and hopes to receive enough support to reach 3,000 trees per month by Easter. The initiative is 100% supported by private contributions, TCI’s Board, and volunteers.

Ready to be delivered for planting into gardens and fields!

TCI is already making plans for local seedling production in the area. And to make sure to avoid a future hurricane wiping it out, we’re designing several nurseries in a network that will coordinate production, resources and benefits. While the network’s rural nurseries will be operated by farmers’ groups, the urban nurseries will be operated by urban gardening women’s groups.

Thank you to our supporters for their contributions, to our Board for their financial match, to our nursery workers for their gentle care, and to our volunteers for rolling up their sleeves with so much enthusiasm so early in the morning!