Nestlé Mexico has continuously supported the development of its raw material suppliers providing technical assistance as well as participating in their communities’ social development. For example, we have specific research projects with INIFAP (National Forest and Agricultural Research Institute) of genetic improvement for cocoa, coffee and cattle.
Permanent support is given to milk farmers in order to improve their production through Integrated Cattle Management Programs that includes vaccines, diseases & feed control, breeding. Two years ago, Nestlé Mexico accepted the invitation of the Mexican President to participate in the “Micro-region Supporting Program”, which is a government project to help the poorest 250 municipalities of the country. Tezonapa, Veracruz was chosen. Since then, Nestlé has developed a Program that includes training, coffee productivity programs, education, commercialization, quality improvement & infrastructure. Each subject involves several aspects such as building a training center, quality control laboratories establishment, among other activities. The Federal Government is actively participating in this project as are several grower’s associations.
Different workshops, for coffee growers (women), were integrated this year to the Tezonapa Project  and included conservation elaboration, nutrition, health, personal growth courses, among others, which are helping them to learn different ways of generating economic alternatives. The program will continue next year helping these women to improve their lifestyle.