This champion organic farmer award is much-appreciated validation for the blood, sweat, tears, and actual jail time that we've put in to bring our food security project to light.
Two years ago, we took a huge leap of faith. We activated a life-changing decision to migrate to Jamaica in order to convert an inherited residential property into a regenerative food forest and organic farmstead.
I believe access to nourishing, GMO-free, non-chemicalized plant foods is a must for anyone who wants to maintain a healthy mind, body and spirit. So we decided to learn to grow our own food and began seeking out opportunities to learn the best practices in sustainable farming.
Last year, Dean and I were charged with overstaying in Jamaica on expired visitors' visas, detained in separate jail facilities on the island for five weeks, tried in court, found guilty and sent back to Canada. My application for Jamaican citizenship has since been approved and I am back in Santa Cruz flying solo on the farmstead. Dean remains in Canada for the moment awaiting the approval of his citizenship request in order to return. |
It's a blessing we have access to land where we can test and experience the Creator's wisdom in action.
This is the second year the Jamaica Diaspora Agricultural Taskforce (JDAT) has partnered with the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) and the Jamaica Organic Agriculture Movement (JOAM) to sponsor a competition at the Denbigh Show to highlight farmers demonstrating a deep respect for sustainability in the region.