Another great surprise hidden in Coatepec, Veracruz is the existence of “UNCADER” (Unidad de capacitacion para el Desarrollo Rural No 2). This is an agency which has similarities to our Agriculture Extension Programs. There are only two such programs in all of Mexico and their goals are to provide educational assistance and training to small farmers, individual families and the community at large. This assistance covers three levels: the first is directed at the unemployed who may want to start a micro business having to do with agriculture, plants or animals. They are provided with courses in, for example, how to raise rabbits, the steps necessary to start a viable business, and are even offered grants for start-up expenses. The plan is to enable folks to make a living in their villages without having to leave to find work. The second level of assistance is directed toward those people who may already have a project in mind (or even in operation). The emphasis in on best practices and to this end the agency employs 60 staff which includes MA’s and PhD’s in agriculture, biology, veterinary science, etc. The third level provides advanced training to professionals.

One may wonder why the relatively small town of Coatepec has one of only two such centers in Mexico. The answer lies partly in the geography of the State of Veracruz. Coatepec is 3500ft above sea level and lies in a region of cloud forest. The State has a huge diversity of plants, bird and wildlife. The highest peak in Mexico lies within this State. The majestic Pico of Orizaba rises 12,000 feet high and contains glaciers. As one goes down in altitude one encounters pine forests, lakes, rivers, and climatic zones ranging from freezing to sweltering tropics. This allows for cold weather crops such as apples, pears and plums, temperate ones such as coffee, and the lowland grown pineapples, sugar cane, mangos and papayas. A center such as UNCADER can have experimental gardens featuring a myriad of plants not found in other parts of Mexico. There is also a garden devoted to the identification and use of medicinal plants. Bamboo is a main focus of the center. There is a prototype model house constructed of bamboo and a lush bamboo forest featuring many of the various kinds of bamboo grown in Veracruz. The intent is to help with the promotion and development of a viable bamboo industry.
There are also greenhouses demonstrating vertical gardens, hydroponics, drip irrigation, composting, and the cultivation of edible mushrooms! The mushrooms are particularly interesting. The staff has sown spores into several layers of a packed straw bundle so that the mushrooms sprout all around the bale. Harvesting couldn’t be easier! All plants are available for sale.

This educational agency appears to be very successful and is a great community resource.