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The promoter model for implementing sustainable agriculture has been successfully applied in numerous countries across the developing world. In Panama it is being used by several development agencies to train local farmers in the manner of sustainable agriculture. In this paper the effectiveness of the promoter model was assessed. Starting with the trained promoter, the number of sustainable farmers who were influenced by the promoter was determined. The number of first generation adopters was low compared to rates typically presented in the literature. Reasons for these low rates are discussed. Non-adopters were interviewed to determine reasons for non-adoption of sustainable agriculture and why use of slash and burn continues. These reasons for adoption or non-adoption are discussed. Observations of follow up activities and their effect on adoption rates are reported.