Breadfruit Project Stalled by Tornabé Land Occupation
Agroindustrial entrepreneur Jaime Rosales and his U.S.-based partner, Steve Stevens, were forcibly blocked from their agricultural development project in the village of Tornabé, Tela, on Sunday. The incident, carried out by members of the local Garífuna community, has halted all operations at the site, which serves as a commercial hub for breadfruit (mazapán) cultivation.
Standoff at the Cultivos Edén Site
The disruption began when community members occupied the property’s access points, effectively locking out the owners and their staff. Rosales, who leads the project under the company Cultivos Edén, described the occupation as an invasion that has paralyzed ongoing work. While the Garífuna community continues to maintain its presence at the site, Rosales insists he holds no personal animosity toward them. He maintains that any property disputes should be settled through formal legal channels, not physical occupation.
Registered Land Rights and Production Goals
Rosales maintains that the land is held under valid legal standing. According to the entrepreneur, the project operates under a formal public deed, holds full ownership rights, and is duly registered with the Instituto de la Propiedad (IP). He confirmed that all applicable property taxes are paid to date.
The initiative, in development for approximately three years, focuses on the production, grafting, and commercialization of breadfruit trees. By providing technical assistance and grafted plants to farmers across Honduras, Rosales aims to establish breadfruit as a viable commercial crop. To meet rising market demand, the company has even imported plants produced via in vitro fertilization from the United States.
Safety Threats to U.S. and Local Investors
The dispute has taken a darker turn. Rosales reported that both he and his partner, Maryland native Steve Stevens, were subjected to threats during the encounter. These reports have sparked broader concerns regarding the safety of domestic and foreign investments in the region.
A Plea for State Intervention
The investors are now calling on the Government of the Republic, the Ministry of Security, and the national judicial system to guarantee the protection of private property. Local police have since arrived at the site to manage the crowd blocking the access points. As stakeholders await further action to restore security and legal order, the future of the project remains uncertain.
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