Meet Raul: A Husband, Father, and Second-Generation Farmer
At Wildway, we believe that every product we make should benefit ecosystems, communities, and the environment through regenerative practices that create positive health impacts for people and the planet. Our commitment to conscious sourcing means partnering with responsible farms and suppliers, like Sol Organica who share our vision. Today, we want to introduce you to Raul, a husband, father, and second-generation farmer at one of the regenerative organic farms we source from.
Below is a translated conversation with Raul as we deep dive into his farming practices.
A Legacy of Sustainable Farming
Raul's farm has been in his family for over half a century, passed down from his father. This land is more than just a place to grow crops; it's a family heritage and a foundation for their livelihood. "This farm has been inherited from my father, which we have had, let’s say about 50 – 60 years, of having the property, by inheritance from them. We share this with the family, we live from this, with my children. From this income we have been able to educate them. They are all professionals, thanks God. We are living and surviving from the same property with the crops that we are carrying forward."
Embracing Regenerative Practices
Raul exemplifies the regenerative practices that are at the heart of Wildway's mission. By rotating crops and creating their own bio-fertilizers from coffee pulp and plant stems, Raul and his family maintain soil health and moisture. "We are rotating the planting, as long as it needs it. We use the stem, we chop it, we use it for the same crop. That moisture remains for the soil. We also use bio-fertilizers, we make ourselves."
Strength in Community and Collaboration
Our journey towards sustainable farming is bolstered by strong community ties and collaborative efforts. Raul's farm formed a cooperative of five producers, enhancing the quality and marketability of their organic bananas through a partnership with Burke Agro. "We got excited, we formed a partnership of 5 producers, we were inspired to see what was going to continue happening with the banana farming. From there we had the inspiration, and that they were going to improve our prices due to the quality of our products, which are organic bananas."
Long-Term Environmental Impact
The commitment to organic, chemical-free farming practices brings long-term benefits to the environment and the crops. Even in tough summers, Raul's plants thrive, demonstrating the resilience of their regenerative methods. "It is not immediately that you will see it [the positive change], but it does have a biologically different change because it is not using chemicals or anything, for the soil, for everything, because we maintain the humidity even though we have tough summers."
Exceptional Quality Produce
Thanks to the high-altitude region of San Juan del Río Coco, Raul's bananas are renowned for their exceptional sweetness and quality. "The banana from this area of San Juan del Río Coco is of good quality because it is very sweet. This is [due to] the altitude, the temperature, so this banana is highly appreciated by any buyer, who has tried it, [can say] it is better than the one from other areas."
At Wildway, we are honored to source our bananas from Sol Organica and from farmers like Raul, who embody the principles of regenerative farming and ensure that our products are of the highest quality.
You can find regenerative organic bananas from the Sol Organica farm in our Banana Nut Oatmeal, and Banana Nut Granola.