In a recent trip to
Colombia- last month, Latin Organics had the opportunity to meet
with several agricultural- entrepreneurs and coffee farmers. As
usual- going back home is a wonderful feeling difficult to
describe. You wonder how much more has the country advanced in
technology, education, equality, organic farming, urban planning,
etc in the past twelve months- since you were last there.
As a Canadian company arriving to Colombian territory- you
continue your trip very focused knowing that you have the power as
a company to impact in a positive way the lives of the people that
you do business with and this is truly exciting. After a long trip-
finally- the first Colombian meal: breakfast the next day. While
all the local people were ordering strawberries, fat free milk and
corn flakes- I went straight to the Ethnic Buffet. I ate everything
I had not had for the last year here in Vancouver. No calorie
worries. Living the moment. As the day goes by and my agenda moves
forward- I come to the conclusion that people in Colombia are
amazing and hardworking. They really deserve better. They try so
hard but the support needed from the government or other private
entities is sometimes unavailable. We speak with these business
people and try to map out a plan. Latin Organics recommended to
each of them that they should continue to work hard and keep
focused on their goals.
As part of our trip we had planned to travel to the Southern
part of Colombia by road- a six hour trip. Due to the pre-
presidential elections in Colombia- we were advised by a family
member who is a General in Colombia, not to do this trip. We were
advised to coordinate the meeting within city limits and at our
hotel. So we did this. The farmers came to us. We met in a tropical
garden next to the pool- sitting under the shade of native trees.
It is always welcoming to meet with them and our friendship ties
with every meeting are renewed. A tear of sadness comes to our eyes
when we give our goodbyes. We leave with our TO DO list and wish
each other a safe return.
This trip to Colombia was successful as we were able to initiate
new commercial ties with several entrepreneurs. We had several
interviews with different National newspapers where Latin Organics
plans and successes were communicated. For the first time ever- on
the day that I had to fly back to Vancouver- I had mixed feelings
and I really wanted to stay in Colombia. As I know that I can do
more for Colombia being abroad through Latin Organics- I took a
deep breath and walked in to Air Canada's aircraft, took my seat
and kissed Colombia farewell. There is a lot of work to do and
believe me we need all the support we can get from Vancouverites,
Canadians and the World!