Mildred Alvarado

I am a specialist in sustainable agriculture, farm business development, and economic inclusion of diverse farming communities. My work integrates extension and applied research to design inclusive strategies that improve farm business performance and promote equitable participation in local, regional, and international food systems. With over 20 years of experience across Latin America and the United States, I have led initiatives in agroecology, traditional and non-traditional crops, post-harvest systems, inclusive food supply chains, and the development of educational programs in both rural and urban settings.

My areas of expertise include cooperative enterprise models, postharvest systems, value chain integration, and rural economic development. I have collaborated with universities, government agencies, farmer associations, NGOs, the private sector, and international development organizations.

Currently, I serve as an Extension Associate at CALS/Cornell Small Farms Program, where I direct the Equity Farm Futures Initiative and Futuro en Ag project. In this role, I support beginning farmers through bilingual agricultural education, farm business and finance training, and connections to resources for sustainable production and land access—contributing to a more resilient food system.

I was born and raised on a small subsistence farm in Honduras, where I learned from my parents the value of resilience and the importance of caring for the land and farming communities. My personal story continues to shape my commitment to creating better opportunities for farming families.

I am an agronomist and hold a bachelor's degree in Environmental Sciences and Rural Development from Zamorano University. I also earned an MBA, as well as a Master’s and Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences with a focus on Sustainable Agriculture and Markets from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. I am Fluent in Spanish, English, and Portuguese.

“I believe in agriculture that transforms lives and creates opportunity from the ground up.”