Exaltar International

SOYBEAN RESEARCH PROGRAM (Smart Farm Trials): After successfully completing the 2021 and 2022 trials Exaltar International paused the trials in 2023 because the weather conditions were not favourable. Exaltar International agreed with the University of Illinois to conduct new trials in 2024 but they had to be suspended due to unusually heavy rain in the area. Exaltar International did however grow soybeans and has now been able to identify and segregate 4 different soybean varieties that adapt well to local conditions in Guatemala. Exaltar International also got in touch with CIGRAS - a research institute at Universidad de Costa Rica - to discuss the possibility of launching the Central American Soybean Network as a means of enhancing food security in the region. SEED REPLICATION PROGRAM: Building on the 2021 2022 and 2023 seed replication program Exaltar International continued replicating scarce seeds that have potential for fighting child malnutrition in Guatemala. This program focuses primarily on biofortified corn camelina edamame heirloom tomato varieties and sacha inchi. During 2024 Exaltar International continued replicating most of these seeds as well as cover crops seeds like 'Frijol terciopelo' 'choreque' 'canavalia' and vetch but stopped working with tomato. SOYBEAN EXTRUDER PROJECT: In 2023 Exaltar International in partnership with Instituto Politecnico Nacional and Universidad Autonoma de Queretaro (both Mexican universities) completed the development of low-cost extruder for processing soybeans into flour that can be used for making hi-protein supplements. At the end of 2024 through its agent in Guatemala Exaltar International imported the extruder into Guatemala. FEEDING PROGRAM: During 2024 Exaltar International established partnerships with a couple of organizations to produce pesticide-free vegetables and provide them to two local feeding programs at no cost. More than 1800 lb of fresh produce were produced and delivered between June and December 2024. ONE HEALTH PLUS INITIATIVE: Exaltar International developed the One Health Plus concept as a community transformation model to address poverty in rural communities. During 2024 Exaltar International established partnerships with a Guatemalan organization and a U.S.-based organization to continue developing the concept and model.