Farmers in Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico continue to benefit from the legacy of Don Marcos Orozco, father of soil conservation in Central America.

That was one of the messages conveyed to EPIC members March 7 in Boone at the annual general meeting of EPIC, the Ecumenical Project for International Cooperation. Agriculture educators and farmers, supported by EPIC, have spread Marcos Orozcos’ message through northern Central America using the multiplier effect – each one teach others.

Orozco’s legacy was recognized during a special ceremony sponsored by FUNDAMARCOS, a Guatemalan foundation named in his honor. Although Orozco is deceased, his family was present and received the honors in his name.

The EPIC organization - which took shape in Boone in 1979, after being founded by Boone Catholic priest and assistant dean of the General College, Father Thomas Cowley – continues to spread the word on sustainable agriculture to Central American farmers. Like parts of the Sustainable Development Program at Appalachian State University, also incubated by EPIC, the Central American programs foster stewardship of the land while it is being farmed.

EPIC also sponsors programs on peace and human rights and has supported work from the Philippines to the Middle East and West Africa to Central and South America, as well as in the United States.

This year also witnessed the final presidential speech of outgoing president Loren Raymond, the EPIC CEO and sometimes chairman of the board for more than 20 years. In leading EPIC, Raymond, with the help of executive director Paul T. McKay of Allenspark, Colo., and his development officer wife, Mary, expanded the membership, budget and programs of EPIC.

Tony Brun, a Brazilian/Uraguayan Mennonite theologian now residing in Washington, D,C,, was elected to the presidency to succeed Raymond.