BRIEF DESCRIPTION:

The "Maria Elisabetta" Farm is a 17 acre farm which is in the outskirts of Chone, and was bought thanks to the generosity of an Italian lady and a man from the USA. The fundamental object was to establish a chicken farm to improve the quality of the

nutrition in the soup kitchens.

Chicken Farm:

During the year 2008 we raised 1150 chickens in different turns. A part of these chickens go to the children's soup kitchens and families in need. The other part are sold at a low price in such a way that the benefits received are used towards purchasing new chickens, as well as the cost of their feed.

We have also been able to help a center that takes in abandoned children as well as a center for the elderly.

In this project we have spent a total of: $6,947.80 = 5,222.61 €

The total income of the sale of chickens and eggs reached: $6,714.21 = 5,046.04 €

Pig Farm:

During the year 2008 we raised 35 pigs. we killed 20 pigs, of which, half of them went to the soup kitchens and the other half were sold.

The amount of money employed in this project: $6,074.23

The income for the sale of the pigs reached a total of $2,238.97

Agriculture:

After harvesting the rice, we planted corn. we have planted rice again, this time of a better quality.

The plantains and bananas that we have planted at the beginning of the year are ready to be harvested. there are approximately 400 clusters ready to be sold.

Around 1600 kg. (3520 lbs.) of rice were harvested and distributed among the soup kitchens, the home for the elderly, the bethlehem shelter and the family sponsorships.

What has been planted?

Rice, corn, cocoa, coffee, banana, cassava, peanuts, passion fruit, papaya, grapefruit, balsa wood, pechiche, red cedar, guacha peli, and oranges.

Pumpkin is being planted in great quantity. It is later used to feed the pigs.

In this project the total amount spent was: $654.94 = 491.24 €

The income as a result of the sale of fruit and other products has reached a total of: $619.80 = 465.25 €

For salaries we have spent: $7,321.75 = 5,500.12 €

Another small income is the leasing of land. we lease parts of the property to a neighbor for his cows during several months of the year. they are fed and at the same time keep the grass cut.

at present we are working on the cleansing and fertilization of the plantations. until now everything has gone very well. the rainy season has been favorable without reaching an extreme.

work has been done to facilitate the entrance of vehicles into the land which up until now was impossible because of the muddy state of the dirt path caused by the mud.

We have also cleaned up the area around the house where the family that is in charge of the maintenance of the land lives so that they can have better living

conditions.

a new door has been installed to be able to close the entrance to the property to provide greater security. in one area of the land, a sign has been put up indicating where the piece of land begins and its name.

These projects have been made possible with the money of people that have destined their donation to the project most in need.

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