Just like any other morning we had to arise early and be on the bus by 7:15. Yesterday we traveled to Earth University. This private University's main educational focus is on agriculture and natural resources and how farmers and citizens alike can keep the enviornment in mind while harvesting and distributing their products. Mainly Central Americans attend this prestigious university, however in recent years there has been an influx of Africans and also just recently students from Lebanon and Switzerland. In the student's junior year, they are required to complete an internship on a farm or plantation of their choice in any country they feel. Upon graduation, students are also required to complete a project based on their studies.
When we arrived at Earth University, we first examined the harvesting of bananas. It takes around one year for the banana plant to grow strong and healthy and be able to yield fresh bananas. An important quality for the banana plant to have are large leaves suspended over the top for sun absorbtion, which also helps the "mother" grow strong. We then went from examining a banana plant to seeing how Earth University turns the bananas into a profitable commodity. The bananas upon arrival to the plant were clustered and color coded depending on where the final destination of the bananas is. Next the bananas are separated and are checked for quality. The bananas that do not meet the requirements are not sold as bananas but are sold as other products such as paper and baby food, so no bananas are wasted. Upon conculsion of our trip to Earth University, we learned that agriculture and sustainabilty can work in harmony and in the end will be better for the economy and the environment.
Nicole Kreidermacher and Donald Mendenhall
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