Chuck Boerner in Guatemala

Volunteer: Chuck Boerner, President and Owner, Ono Farms
Assignment: Conduct Seminar on Organic Production Methods
Location: Guatemala

When Coffee Corps needed an expert to lead a seminar on organic production methods, we turned to Chuck Boerner. A 35-year industry veteran who runs a 30-acre organic farm on Maui, Boerner possessed the unique blend of business skills and personal experience that would benefit Guatemalan farmers.

During his visit, Boerner visited several farms, where he was able to observe current farming methods and develop a set of actionable suggestions for his presentations. One key recommendation focused on increasing yield by improving the quality of compost fertilizer. This addressed a key economic issue for Guatemalan farmers, who have seen yield drop by as much as 50 percent after converting to organic methods. He also shared information on his own best practices for organic farming and outlined opportunities for raising higher quality coffees, which can claim higher prices. Almost 200 participants attended Boerner's presentations.

Boerner describes his volunteer experience as "extremely rewarding and beyond his expectations" and was proud of the direct impact his assignment had on farmers in Guatemala.