7September2011
Mexico: The Lavender Project Continues to Bloom (Project Update)
THE FARM: The partnership with the local farmers continues to be integral to the success of this project. The project team are constantly working towards unity and cooperation with the farmers. Supports for the farmers include educating them on product and inventory control, teaching how to report hours for payroll.
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT: A good range of products have been developed by the project team over the past few years. The team are currently examining with the support of the University of Notre Dame the most profitable and sustainable product lines and developing a project plan to match this. Quality control is a big part of managing the production process and two new staff members have been up-skilled to supervise and ensure consistency throughout the process. Elizabeth Torres Rodriguez (pictured above) has recently joined the project as a supervisor of Almacen to manage inventory control.
SALES & MARKETING: Getting the products to market and to the right markets has been an integral part of the learning curve within the project. Lee is currently working with local stores to sell products and also cultivating sales to neighboring cities – Queretaro, Irapuato, Leon, Mexico City, Nayarit, Juriquilla. Links have also been made with a local hotel chain. There are a number of things that would support the further development of the sales and marketing – better website and online shopping facility, product catalog, ethical tourism opportunities. These areas will be the focus of support and investment in over the next 12 months.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: The Lavender Project aims to be as consultative as possible – council meetings are held on a weekly basis and faculty meetings – with everyone involved in the project having a voice are held twice a month. The views and concerns of everyone are taken into account. This is a time consuming process but has led to a greater understanding of the project and decision making processes.
The Lavender Project works very closely with all local partners from the farmers to the production team. Weekly meetings are held with local farmers, close links have been made with the local community particularly La Colorada Community Centre. The Lavender Project has representation on La Colorada Town Council & other local initiatives. A monthly newsletter about the Lavender Project is now posted in local stores particularly in San Miguel. The Lavender Project has also recently agreed to sponsor the local soccer team which will ensure that the project is a household name in La Colorada.
The Lavender Project is at a critical stage of development and has now a strong team in place to support the exciting next phase of making this a sustainable venture.
) so no expensive plumbing bills at the end of the year!!
