From sunny Mexico to Edmonton, we can all learn from each other

Abel Urbin

  Our Voice 2005 
 
 
 

Balmy and sensual are just a few of the words that I like to describe the beauty of my birth-country, Mexico. Mexico offers a great variety of new and exciting experiences and opportunities for visitors, business people and international consumers a like.

At the present time, Mexico and Canada have a tight relationship when it comes to imports and exports. Canadian consumers are able to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables and flowers, canned products and handicrafts from Mexico.

Part of this relationship between the two countries involves interscholar exchange programs. In Alberta, Old College has partnered with Antonio Narro Agrarian University, located in Coahulas State, northern Mexico. Together, these schools have developed the ‘Models for Sustainability’ exchange, a program providing opportunities for agricultural students from Mexico to visit and experience working on farms in Alberta. Requirements for participants are simple: basic English, a Degree in Agriculture and a written letter regarding the reason the student would like to come to Canada.

This year, one of the exchange students, Luis Guillermo Lopez Moreno, is doing his practicum with Sunworks Farm located near Armena. Sunworks Farm is owned by Ron Hamilton and his family; and they produce “Certified Organic” products for their customers, many of whom shop at the Strathcona Farmers’ Market.

Similarly, VRIEND Organic Farm, owned by Dennis and Ruth Vriend, participates in the ‘Models for Sustainability’ exchange program and is hosting two visiting students, Miguel Mota and Jose Luis Rivera. These young men have very earnestly and energetically served many of VRIEND’s customers at the Strathcona Farmers’ Market.

Luis, Miguel and Jose arrived in Alberta on March 5, 2005. Richmond Godfrey, Olds College International Projects Coordinator was there to welcome these young men and show them around.

Luis says his first impression of the people here was that he found kindness and respect in everyone. Luis was not afraid to come to Canada however he felt uncertain about things for a little while. “Later, I felt better because I found good organization without bureaucratic problems.” Luis also says that he very much enjoys the diversity of cultures in Canada, commenting that he not observed any discrimination against minority groups here.
     
Luis has a solid elementary knowledge of English that he learned at Prowlex School in Guadalajara. Prior to coming to Canada, he took six weeks of intensive English and this has helped him to be able to understand conversation very well. “I feel very comfortable speaking English to everyone because all are kind to me and I enjoy practicing English. I don’t miss my mother-tongue, Spanish, too much because there are some Spanish-speaking people around.”

For Luis, a regular day on Sunworks Farm begins at 7:00 a.m., with breakfast served at 8:00 a.m. Feeding the chickens, pigs, ducks, turkeys and other animals takes from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Luis then helps make the rounds to check and repair equipment, fences and other items needing maintenance. A very solid, nutritious lunch that includes proteins, vegetables and carbohydrates is regularly served up at 2:00 p.m. At 4:00 p.m., Luis is off again to help replenish the animals’ living quarters; and at 6:00 p.m., he helps with the general farm work such as mowing lawns and cleaning. This is the basic routine, with some variation in activities from day to day.

Luis likes it here in Canada however he is planning to base his career life back at home, in Mexico. “I have to go back to Mexico in December and my plans are to start a production of organic meat and, at the same time, to promote a strong relationship between Canadian organic farmers and Mexican organic farmers. After that, I hope to work with Mexican agriculturists interested in ‘organic produce value commerce’ between Canada and Mexico, for a better American life.”

Luis, Miguel and Jose have shown us that Mexican students are happy to come to Canada to learn and to share their culture with us. There is also a special agreement, between Mexico and Canada that allows many other agricultural workers from Mexico to work on farms in Canada. Each year, about 500 ‘pickers’ (agricola’s laborers) come to work in the Lethbridge area of Alberta, and to experience life in our country.

I wish you all well, my fellow countrymen, and good fortune in the future.

In conclusion, I would like everyone to know that I have truly enjoyed my last 33 years living in Canada, with no regrets. I also want to express my gratitude to “OUR VOICE” and its wonderful readers for giving me the opportunity to write this article, showing perhaps a different side of Mexico and Mexicans. It is my hope that these learning and working partnerships will last forever and extend to all of Latin America.