Mariano Peñate, a Model Greenhouse Farmer
 Mariano Peñate, an agronomist by training, previously earned a living by farming small plots of vegetables using traditional methods on his farm a few miles from the Guatemalan border in Llano La Laguna, Ahuachapán Department, El Salvador. In May 2003, Mr. Peñate became a client farmer under Fintrac's Center for Agribusiness Investment, Development and Export (or ģIDEAī as it is known by its Spanish acronym). With Fintrac technical support and after visiting other successful Fintrac clients' operations, he built a greenhouse on a plot of land previously used for pasture and coffee. After just one year of operations, Mr. Peñate is already reaping substantially increased profits.
With support from Fintrac IDEA, Mr. Peñate has implemented a range of new technologies and better cultural practices for tomato production. He used Fintrac designs to construct his first low-cost 572m2 greenhouse. He has installed a drip irrigation system, using it for fertigation along with Fintrac fertilization calendars and recommended nutrient solutions. He has incorporated a range of Fintrac's recommended integrated pest management (IPM) practices, including the use of yellow traps for scouting and pest identification. He has also received training in the safe handling of pesticides, including use of protective gear, first aid procedures, proper pesticide application and storage methods, and the safe disposal of empty pesticide containers. On the management side, Fintrac has providing training in the monitoring of production costs in order to assess profitability.
With his one greenhouse, Mr. Peñate generated gross sales of $10,360 and net profits of $6,700 during his first year of operations. He produced more than 32,000 lbs of tomatoes for the fresh market, equivalent to 21 lbs per plant. The greenhouse has generated permanent employment for three laborers in his rural area with an additional two seasonal positions. With Fintrac marketing assistance, Mr. Peñate is now using his own marketing and distribution channels, allowing him to sell his product a wholesale buyer that supplies local supermarkets directly. Mr. Peñate is now busy constructing a second greenhouse based on the returns he obtained during the last year.
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