Water for Three States in Mexico

Members of the Fair Trade Committee at Negocio Agrícola San Enrique, a melon producer in Sonora, Mexico, identified water access as a shared concern for their workers and communities. Understanding the reality of water scarcity across Mexico, the committee invested $31,400 USD of Community Development Funds to launch a targeted water tank distribution project. This vital initiative reached communities in Sonora, Guerrero, and Puebla. The project directly benefited 141 workers, highlighting both urgent community priorities and the growing leadership capacity of the committee itself. The team implemented the project in two distinct phases. During the first phase, members coordinated the delivery of water tanks to two communities in Sonora. This effort primarily supported permanent and temporary workers at two production sites. Committee members managed beneficiary applications, negotiated with suppliers, and oversaw all project coordination. This practical experience helped them navigate new administrative responsibilities and master the management of Fair Trade premium projects. Abraham Hernández, President of the Fair Trade Committee, described this learning curve, sharing, "Being part of the committee is complicated; you don’t know how to carry out a project, how to get it off the ground, how to get quotes, how to conduct surveys… it’s all new to you, and we keep learning. We’re constantly learning." During the following harvest season, the committee expanded the project into Guerrero and Puebla. This second phase introduced fresh logistical challenges. Members traveled to unfamiliar communities, coordinated deliveries across vast distances, and resolved unexpected setbacks quickly. This comprehensive experience strengthened the committee's confidence and visibility among their peers. Members learned valuable lessons by managing complex projects, leading meetings, and discussing results openly with other workers. Today, they feel highly prepared to lead future Fair Trade activities and enjoy increased recognition from coworkers seeking support. Reflecting on this journey, Abraham Hernández noted, "I’ve seen many faces come and go on the committee, and I’m the only one who has stayed. I knew that someday we could carry out projects like everyone else." Ultimately, this successful initiative secured clean water for local families while building a resilient, capable and prepared team of worker leaders ready to address future community challenges.