At the Agricultural Farm at our Los Sueños: The Dreams housing development, we are proud to grow organic, non-GMO crops in raised-bed gardens and are excited to share the center with Los Sueños homeowners very soon. We spoke with Federico Arriola, a consultant for the Ag Farm, to gain his perspective on this special project.
Working with ALF as a Consultant on the Ag Farm project has expanded my thinking about farming and gardening on the island. It has been a great impact in my life that this may be the beginning for people on the island to be able to cultivate their own organic vegetables right in their yard or on their own property.
One of the exciting things we have learned on the farm is that the timing for growth of the vegetables is significantly less than other areas outside Roatán. It has been amazing to see the size of the leaves and fruits that have grown here. When tasting the organic vegetables you get a sense of the quality by the flavor and texture.
As someone who has done organic farming projects throughout Central America, I am excited to know that for the first time I am producing organic vegetables right over the ocean. The climate can be challenging, but this project has shown me that there are many ways and methods to conquer challenges that arise. It’s fascinating to me that here on the island it is very hot and yet we have great results with all of our lettuce that is produced elsewhere in the cold season. This has taught the local team and myself a new technique when it comes to farming on an island.
To me, the Ag Farm is a laboratory that has exceeded all expectations. I feel it can transform the traditional “farming” concepts here on the island for communities. Most of the vegetables that have been grown and taste tested have given us fantastic results.
*Please note: this interview has been translated from Spanish.