Getting Started!

We are Budding Farmers, and we love to watch things grow!

BUDDING - Vol. 2 #1 | 2023

PUBLISHER

Got Creative Media

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Grace Henry

CREATIVE DIRECTOR | LAYOUT ARTIST

Cedric Henry

EDITORS

Stacey Mac | Grace Henry

WRITERS

Annmarie H. | Grace Henry | Melissa - Grow With Honey Bee | Stacey Mac

CONTRIBUTOR(S)

Khalil Brown | Annmarie H. | Ced H. | Joedi J.

PHOTOGRAPHER

Cedric Henry @cedhenryphotography (Kingston, Jamaica)

COVER CREDIT

CONTACT

Telephone: (876) 667.3492

buddingfarmersjamaica @gmail.com

BUDDING FARMERS Growzine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material. All content appearing in this magazine may not be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means electronically or mechanically, including photocopying, distributing, recording or by any information storage retrieval system without written permission from the publisher.

SALES / BUSINESS

Contact:

Budding Farmers Ja, 15 Grovedale Drive, Kingston 10. Telephone: (876) 667.3492 email: buddingfarmersjamaica @gmail.com email: gotcreativemedia@gmail .com

Editor’s Note

We’ve all heard Mark Twain’s quote, “The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex, overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and starting on the first one.”

How do you actually get started?

Often times, a lack of direction is all that’s holding us back from matching our passions with meaningful action. Fortunately, the Budding Farmers team has put together this terrific guide and expert advice on how to get started on improving food security.

Data on the agriculture sector seems to be showing improvements, yet we cannot deny the fact that many families are struggling to cater to their daily food needs. Regis Chapman, WFP Representative and Country Director for the WFP Caribbean Multi-Country Office said, “Severely food insecure households struggle to put food on the table every day or have to employ coping strategies that undermine their ability to do so in the mid-term just to meet the needs of that day”.

In this issue, we are bringing you hope; hope that you can take the issue of food insecurity in your own hands, by getting started today. Also, in this issue are hacks for your garden, how to start a farm, recipes as we go through the season of Lent and making investment decisions as a first time investor.

At the end of reading this Growzine, whatever and wherever you choose to start, here are some simple guides to “getting started”:

Start small Start with what you like to eat Start where you are Just Start.

G.AHenry

Starting a farm from the ground up, can be a daunting task, as all new projects often are. Will I have enough money? How big is big enough, and what kind of land do I need to start? Why are we discussing the ground up, and not just starting a farm? Here are eight actionable steps that will walk you through how to start farming like a pro:

STEPS TO STARTING A FARM

from the Ground Up

1. Choose Something to Produce

As a farmer, the first step in starting a farm is deciding what you want to produce. You can grow or raise just about any plant or animal you’d like on your small farm as long as the circumstances are right. What you plan to produce will weigh heavily on your preferences and interests as a farmer. Ultimately, you will want to consider what sort of agricultural products will provide the return on investment that you are hoping for with your small farm.

2. Learn the Ins and Outs of Your Product

There are many layers to farming, especially since there are variables that are out of small farmers’ control. For most types of farming, learning as you go is simply not an option. There are many ways farmers can learn. Some trade schools, colleges, and universities offer degrees and certificates in agriculture.

3. Figure Out Your Finances

Like any small business, you’ll need to find the funds to get started. A small farm is a business that requires quite a bit of overhead. You’ll need land, equipment, agricultural inputs, labor and more. There is also the option for farmers to buy a functioning farm, but that still requires quite a bit of capital to get started. You could get a commercial loan or seek out investors.

4. Lease Your Land or Use Your Backyard

So, you know what you want to produce, you’ve learned everything you need to know to get started with this type of farm and you’ve got your funding figured out in your business plan. Now it’s time to find and purchase some land. Purchasing property for a farm is something that must be well thought out. If you will be raising livestock, you need to make sure the climate is appropriate for the type of animals you’ll be raising. However, finding land to plant crops opens a whole other can of worms. Plants can be very finicky. The conditions have to be just right for a successful harvest. Here are a few things to consider:

• What type of climate is best for my crop?

• Which regions/ area have this type of climate?

• Is the land fertile and rich in the appropriate nutrients?

• How much rain does the area get? Does it flood easily?

• If it’s dry, is it possible to irrigate the land?

• How easy will the fields be to work in?

• Is the land safe for all of the employees and animals (if applicable)?

5. Strategize and Prepare

How you plan to prepare the land on your small farm will depend on what you are growing, raising or producing. If you are growing crops, you have to ensure the fertility of your land. You may spend a few years fertilizing your land naturally with compost and manure. Alternatively, you can use chemical fertilizers. Irrigation is something to take into consideration when you’re starting, as well.

If you are raising livestock, you must build the appropriate stables. Whether you’re raising livestock for meat, or for eggs, milk or other byproducts will determine what sort of structure you will build.

6. Implement A Farming Business Plan

You’ve created your business plan, and now it’s time to take action. It is important to go into this journey with some flexibility. Remember to have back-up options so that you’re covered no matter what happens.

7. Develop Your Product

Even if you specialize in growing or raising one thing, you may develop several related products for your small business. Let’s say you decided to grow beets. You could choose to sell beets by the bunch. You could also produce and sell cold-pressed beet juice, beet root powder, beet jam or any other beet-based product.

8. Market Your Products

How you market your products will be determined by who you plan to sell them to. Here are a few things to consider when identifying the target audience for your business:

• Will the product be sold as an ingredient to a manufacturer?

• Will you be selling to stores or directly to consumers?

• Can your customers buy the product online?

As we mentioned before, your farm could offer an experience, so this would be “packaged” and sold differently.

MARCH PLANT THESE IN

Written by - Grow with Honeybee (Melissa)

March is just around the corner! And the arrival of March really is the start of the growing season in my mind.

It is not too early to think about what you’ll be planting and getting your seeds and seedlings ordered. March is the perfect time to start planting because that’s just when the nice weather starts to hit!

When the weather warms up and the sunny days get longer, it’s natural to think about sowing and growing for the year ahead. And there’s a lot you can plant in March!

If you’re preparing for that vegetable garden you’ve been missing since last summer, you’ll find my best ideas for what to plant in March right here. These are what I start my gardening year off with and have been working for me!

Tomatoes

Hands down, tomatoes are the most popular vegetable to grow in gardens at home. Tomatoes are easy to grow from seed sown indoors in warm conditions. Sow from late February to mid-March if you’ll be growing your crop in a greenhouse or from late March to early April if they’ll be outside. With so many colors and varieties, the possibilities are truly endless.

These sun-lovers needs to be in a spot in your garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sun light.

Cabbage

Easy to grow and hardy, garden-grown cabbage is a nutritious and rewarding gardening project. Growing cabbage is fairly easy because it’s a robust vegetable that isn’t too fussy. Knowing when to plant cabbage and the conditions it likes best will reward you with some amazing salads, stir-fry and countless other recipes.

Summer Cabbage is best sown in a greenhouse or similar environment in March and April for planting out about 4 weeks later.When placing cabbage plants in your garden, be sure to space seedlings 12 to 24 inches apart to give them plenty of room for growing large heads.

Broccoli

Plant these sun-loving crops in a spot in your garden that receives at least 6 hours of direct light. When it comes time to harvest, make sure the head is fully developed but hasn’t produced any small yellow flowers yet.

Broccoli takes a long time to mature, so be patient! Broccoli is cool-season crop, so it should be started in early- to mid- March for an early summer crop.

Basil

Sow in March and try three seeds per small pot. Place the seeds onto pre-watered, peatfree seed compost and sprinkle a thin layer of soil on top. In around four weeks the basil seedlings will be raring to go. Once you can handle them – usually when they have a ‘true leaf’ shaped like a basil leaf rather than the oval seed leaf – you can transfer them into bigger pots.

It’s tempting to leave basil plants to grow lots of leaves but regular pruning makes the plants more productive. Start snipping after the fourth set of leaves. Cut at the stem, pinching off the tips above the lower leaves.

One basil plant should provide you with around half a cup of leaves. It takes around two weeks for the leaves to fully re-grow.

Spinach

More of a cool weather veggie. Planting spinach in early March should give you plenty of time to harvest this tasty treat before the summer heat causes it to bolt. Spinach grows well in full sun to partial shade.

Spinach prefers moist fertile soil. Prepare the soil before planting by amending with 2-4 inches of compost. They are good companion plants for growing spinach include radishes, strawberries, and garlic.

String Beans

Bean plants are annual vegetables that grow quickly and are best planted in the spring. The flowers appear about two months after planting. Choose a planting site that gets lots of sun and has organically rich soil with sharp drainage. Make sure there are no tall shrubs or trees nearby that will create too much shade for the beans. Beans also can be grown in raised beds and containers.

In general, plant seeds about an inch deep, and position nursery plants at the same depth they were in their previous container. Beans need full sun for the best yield. Full sun also helps to keep the plants dry and less likely to be affected by certain issues, such as fungal diseases.

Okra

March is the best month to plant okra. The soil should be warm and the temperatures should be mild. The days should be long, so the okra can get plenty of sunlight.

Okra needs full sun and hot weather. Soil needs to be fertile and well-drained. Before planting, mix compost into the soil. Plant okra seeds about 1/2 to 1 inch deep and 12 to 18 inches apart in a row. You can soak the seeds overnight in tepid water to help speed up germination. If you are planting okra transplants, be sure to space them 1 to 2 feet apart to give them ample room to grow.

If you look at the flower of okra, you’ll see a resemblance to a hibiscus flower. it’s no coincidence—okra is a member of the hibiscus family!

Peppers

Sow seeds from mid-February to early March for plants that are to be grown under glass, and in late March or early April for growing outdoors. Sow into small pots or seed trays filled with moist seed compost and cover with a thin layer of vermiculite.

Use shallow, sterile containers with drainage (4- or 6-pack at a garden center). A deeper container can hold too much moisture.

Use a lightweight seed starting mix/ media, and sow seeds at a shallow, 1/4” depth. Seed starting mix is sterile (unlike garden soil) and lighter than potting mix, allowing for the ideal air-to-moisture ratio.

Established peppers do best when watered deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry out (not to the point of wilting) between waterings.

Choose an area with full sun (6 or more hours per day).

Pumpkin

Every gardener has to tackle the all too important question about when to start growing a pumpkin. Pumpkin seeds sprout up fast if the conditions are ideal.

Pumpkin needs full sun, rich warm soil with good drainage, water regularly. Can also Sow the seed directly and it will germinate within 2 weeks. Plant spacing the rows should be spaced 6-9 feet apart, and the plants spaced 4 feet apart, in the row. Planting season is late spring and summer.

Pumpkin growing can be rewarding and fun. Take some time this year to plant pumpkin seeds in your garden.

March is an enjoyable month for gardeners of all ages. As we clean up our gardens we keep our fingers crossed for an end to rainy season so we can get some gardening done.

And in an effort to make this easier for you gardeners I have started the race for you and have made these seedlings available on my website (growwithhoneybee.com) just in time for March. So what are we waiting for? On your March, get set, grow!

Do you need some gardening advice? Growing and maintaining a garden can sometimes require a lot of labor, which can quickly feel like an unwanted addition to your to-do list.

But don’t worry; we’ve compiled the greatest gardening advice and backyard tricks to make gardening simple and pleasant. Our tips will make sure you have a plot to be proud of, whether you have a little backyard or large, rolling lawns. When you get started in your garden, try these and let us know about your experience.

GARDENING HACKS For Beginners!

Save Your Coffee Grounds for Your Garden

Coffee grounds are an excellent addition to your gardening routine. You can use them indirectly in your compost, fertilizer, or mulch. Plus, they are a wonderful deterrent to add around your garden edge to keep critters away from your plants. This is one of the best garden hacks that is practically free!

Make a DIY Weed Killer With Vinegar

Looking for an alternative to commercial weed killer? Vinegar is a quick and easy way to rid yourself of those garden invaders trying to choke out your crops. If you can’t manage the weed problem with small, frequent weed pulling sessions, you can create your own homemade weed killer concoction with 1 gallon of white vinegar, 1 cup of table salt and 1 tablespoon of dishwashing soap. Mix them all together, pour the solution into a spray bottle and get after those weeds.

Destroy Fungus With Cinnamon

You probably have a little cinnamon tucked in the cupboards for baking cookies, cakes and other baked treats. But did you know you can use it in the garden, too? In addition to helping root cuttings and deterring (some) pests, cinnamon also has antifungal properties that work in a pinch for preventing damping off disease in young seedlings. Some say you can even sprinkle it in potted plants that have started to grow mushrooms from overwatering.

Protect Your Nails With Soap

Every gardener loves a good dirt manicure now and again. But if you’ve grown weary of scrubbing the skin off your fingertips at night in a feeble attempt to get the soil out from under your nails, we have good news. All you need to do is rub your nails over a bar of soap before you get down in the dirt. It creates a convenient barrier against dirt that can be washed right off when you come back inside.

Boost Garden Nutrients With Banana Peel Juice

Bananas are full of nutrients that plants love, like potassium, potash, calcium and sulfur. Throw your unwanted banana peels in a blender with a little bit of water, blend the mixture up and pour it around your roses and tomatoes to give them a little nutrient boost.

We have all heard that being outside in the fresh air has amazing health benefits. We have also heard that planting flowers can be therapeutic. But did you know that gardening has amazing developmental benefits for kids? Through the Budding Farmers Grow Club, teachers and parents can give children this grand opportunity.

Gardening The Perks Kids

More than half the fun of gardening is getting to eat what you grow. But the positive effect a sunwarmed strawberry has on your little ones will continue to ripple throughout their lives. One study found that students involved in hands-on school gardening programs developed an increased snacking preference for fruits and vegetables.

with

Budding Farmers Growzine

Story: Grace Henry | Photography: Cedric Henry

Gardening of Kids

If you’ve ever spent an afternoon in the garden, you’ve probably experienced time flying and sore muscles the next morning. Gardening is a surprisingly physical activity which teaches children a pattern of healthy activity. The physical tasks of food growing can contribute to a broader understanding of the various ways of staying active.

Teachers and parents alike recognize how crucial confidence can be in a child’s ability to grow and learn. The process of tending a plant and seeing it bloom or produce food takes time and patience, but the payoff in satisfaction is equal to the investment.

Children canworkon mathand scienceskills byobserving theirplants’ lifecycles...

Gardening exercises important reasoning, initiation, planning and organization skills. We want to encourage parents and teachers to have their kids do a little gardening research before diving in.

Children can work on math and science skills by observing their plants’ life cycles, measure their plants or make other observations and record their observations in a journal. Weather cycles, measuring rainfall and monitoring the insect life around the plants can also foster a real scientific curiosity in

Gardening help children make a habit of calming themselves. “Gardening allows kids to be alone, it allows them to breathe fresh air and be at peace by themselves.” Research indicates that the calming effect gardening has on the brain extends even beyond the actual act of gardening.

The Budding Farmers Grow Club is an agriculturebased extracurricular activity, which aims to engage children in discovering the ins and outs of planting, growing and caring for agricultural outputs from the farm to the table.

If you are interested in having the Grow Club at your school, please send an email to bfgrowclub@gmail.com.

Carrot Consider the

Carrots are easy to grow; just give them loose, rich soil free of clods and stones and a soil temperature anywhere between 45° and 85°F. That means you can grow carrots just about any time of the year in raised beds or containers—even in winter with the protection of a plastic tunnel.

Short and finger-size carrots that mature in as few as 50 days are ideal for all-year-round growing in home gardens; choose from these short, round, and fingerling varieties: Amsterdam ‘Minicor’ (ready in 55 days), Chantenay ‘Red Cored’ (ready in 70 days), ‘Nantes Half-Long’ (ready in 70 days), Nantes ‘Touchon’ (ready in 65 days), ‘Parmex’ (ready in 50 days), and ‘Thumbelina’ (ready in 60 days).

Carrots are slow to sprout and will benefit from a bit of protection early on. Use strips of burlap to protect seeds from birds and heavy rains until they sprout and begin to root. If temperatures drop below 40°F use spun poly row covers or plant blankets to protect beds and seedlings. Where freezing temperatures threaten or are common, grow carrots under the protection of plastic tunnels.

Sow carrots where you want them to grow; transplanting can cause carrots to grow forked and twisted. Once sown keep planting beds evenly moist to encourage quick sprouting and even and flavorful growth.

When in Drought!

What the experts are saying

Story by: Annmarie H. |

You have taken the step, and you now have your garden. Welcome to the club Budding Farmers!.

Don’t fear when water resources are scarce, follow these seven water-saving measures to limit your water usage, but will allow you to continue enjoying a garden.

Mulch Plenty

Use 3-4 inces of mulch on top of the soil to retain moisture longer and reduce the soil temperature. This reduces watering needs by up to 50%.

Enrich Soil with Compost

Add a 3 inch layer of organic matter and turn it into the existing soil to increase the soil’s water-holding capacity (Rodale Institute equates 1lb compost = 40lb water retention).

Pro-Tip: Use Raised Beds – An enclosed garden bed retains water better than open gardens.

When to water

Water your garden in the early morning, around 6 AM, when the temperatures are cooler and there is less wind to evaporate the water.

How to Water?

Water at the plants’ roots, not from above! Never water the plants’ leaves! Aim water at the base of your plants on soil level. Keeping foliage dry has the added benefit of reducing disease problems.

Choose Drought Resistant Plants

Select edibles, annuals, and perennials for the garden that require less water than others and thrive in hot, dry locations.

Keep Weeds at Bay

Weeds compete for the water that should be going to garden plants. Be vigilant about plucking weeds regularly and also refer to step #1 Mulch Plenty, which reduces weeds.

Written by: Grace Henry

F Beginnings Smallfrom

or many individuals, farming is more than just a way of life - it’s a passion. And for those who dream of turning their backyard gardens into a thriving commercial enterprise, the journey can be both challenging and rewarding. Such is the case for Latoya Panton, a Jamaican farmer who started out small, growing organic produce in her backyard. Today, she is well on her way to turning her passion for organic farming into a successful business. In this article, we explore her journey from backyard gardener to commercial farmer and the lessons she has learned along the way.

Latoya Panton is a multifaceted individual, excelling in various roles, including being a chef, caterer, mother, wife, and a Budding Farmer. Her passion for cooking has led her to teach cooking to people of all ages, ranging from children as young as four years old to retired persons. Ms. Panton takes pride in being an avid organic gardener, growing fruits and vegetables for personal consumption and sale, in addition to her catering services for corporate and private events. She aspires to become a successful organic commercial farmer, cultivating and selling her produce to people in Jamaica and beyond.

Her interest in farming started as a passion and hobby, which has grown into something bigger. She noticed the lack of quality organic produce in Jamaica and the need for it, and she is working on filling this gap on a small scale. She aims to provide organic vegetables to her community and is currently working on turning her hobby into a commercial farming venture. She believes that people should have access to nutritious and healthy, chemical-free produce and is committed to making that a reality.

As a first-generation farmer, she focuses on growing crops that she uses frequently, such as cucumbers, tomatoes, assorted lettuces, a mixture of green vegetables, plantains, bananas, renta yam, and several fruit trees that she has planted over the last three years. Additionally, she grows medicinal herbs and plants. As she continues to expand her farming operations, she plans to add new crops based on the needs of her community and the demand for organic produce.

Who said farming is always easy? Latoya acknowledges that farming is a challenging profession, and the physical labor involved in preparing the land for planting is hard. However, she believes that the hardest part is finding people who share her passion for gardening and farming. She is grateful for the support and mentorship she has received from other farmers and members of the agricultural community, and she is excited to continue expanding her knowledge and expertise in this field.

“ I am excited to continue expanding my knowledge and expertise in this field.

When asked about the current drought conditions, she expressed that it hasn’t had a significant negative impact on her farming operations. However, she does have concerns about her rainwater tank running dry as harvesting rainwater is a critical part of her farming process. While her current scale of farming (small scale) hasn’t posed a significant challenge, she is looking forward to moving onto a larger property that has a spring or river for irrigation. In the meantime, she continues to utilize her harvested rainwater and sometimes has to use city water. She hopes that the drought doesn’t last much longer and that the rain comes soon so she can top up her water supply.

Latoya believes that while there are many challenges in farming, she finds satisfaction in every step of the process, from sowing the seeds to watching them grow and ultimately harvesting and consuming the produce. She finds it fulfilling to know what inputs were used in the growing process and that the end result is healthy and safe to consume. Sharing her harvest with others in the community is also a source of great satisfaction, as it allows her to spread her love of farming and organic produce with others. Overall, she emphasized the joy and pride that comes with producing her own food and being able to share it with others.

“

...while there are many challenges in farming, she finds satisfaction in every step of the process...

Overall, she is a talented and experienced individual who brings her expertise to various areas of her life. She is committed to providing healthy and sustainable food to her community and aspiring to become a successful organic commercial farmer. Her passion for farming and organic gardening is evident, and she is determined to continue growing and sharing her knowledge with others.

As the world’s population grows, the demand for food increases. With this increasing demand comes an opportunity for budding farmers to expand their operations and contribute to the agricultural industry. For many young, budding farmers, the dream of large-scale farming can seem daunting, but with the right preparation and strategy, it can be achieved.

ARE YOU A BUDDING FARMER?

Tick to find out if you are a budding farmer. If you answer yes to more than 5, you are indeed a BF! Welcome to the club! Now that you have confirmed your status, let us help you get started.

I want to start growing my own food

I like to experiment in the garden with plants/ animals

I do not have any formal training in farming/ agriculture,

I am willing to start my journey with planting/ rearing anim als

I will accept the failures and use them as learning.

I want to start and become successful to be able to feed m yself, family and community.

I am not a commercial farmer.

Line of Fertilizers

Quiche Recipes for Lent Spinach

By Josh Miller; Recipe By Sloane Layton

Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 60 mins | Total Time: 1 hrs 45 mins | Servings: 6-8 persons

Ingredients

• ½ cup butter

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, chopped

• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained

• 1 (4.5 ounce) can mushrooms, drained

• 1 (6 ounce) package herb and garlic feta, crumbled

• 1 (8 ounce) package shredded Cheddar cheese

• 1 deep-dish pie shell

• 4 eggs

• 1 cup milk

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375° with a baking sheet on the center rack. Fit the pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate (about 1-inch deep). Fold the edges of the crust under and crimp as desired. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.

2. Melt the butter over medium heat in a medium skillet. Add the onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring now and then, until softened, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 2 minute. Remove from heat.

3. Whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, sour cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg in a large bowl. Stir in the spinach, cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, and bell pepper mixture. Pour into the prepared crust.

4. Place the quiche on the preheated baking sheet and bake until it has puffed in the center, is just set and the crust is golden, 40 to 50 minutes. Transfer the quiche to a wire rack to cool. Serve warm or room temperature.

1 cup fresh pineapple chunks

1 banana, sliced

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk

1 tbsp honey

1 tsp grated fresh ginger

SMOOTHIE EASY Pineapple Ginger ingredients Prep

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

Pour into a glass and enjoy!

Note: This smoothie recipe can be easily modified to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. You can also add in some protein powder or chia seeds to make them more filling and nutritious.

Jamaican

TOFU Jerk

Ingredients

1 block extra-firm tofu, drained and pressed

2 tablespoons Jamaican jerk seasoning

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon maple syrup

Directions

Cut the tofu into slices or cubes.

In a bowl, whisk together the Jamaican jerk seasoning, vegetable oil, soy sauce, and maple syrup. Add the tofu to the bowl and toss to coat. Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until browned and crispy.

Serve hot with rice and peas or your favorite side dish.

COFFEE FACTS

Coffee is one of the most beloved beverages in the world. People across the globe consume it in different forms, ranging from simple black coffee to fancy lattes and cappuccinos.

The aroma and flavor of coffee have captured the hearts of coffee lovers worldwide, making it one of the most popular drinks on the planet. In this blog post, we will look at four interesting facts about coffee.

Coffee is one of the most traded commodities globally , with an estimated 25 million people worldwide depending on coffee farming for their livelihoods. Coffee is grown in more than 60 countries, primarily in the “Bean Belt” located between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn.

This region includes countries like Brazil, Colombia, Vietnam, and Ethiopia, among others. The global coffee trade is worth billions of dollars annually, making it an essential economic activity for many countries.

Coffee can help you live longer. C offee consumption has been associated with a range of health benefits, including a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and liver disease. In a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers found that coffee drinkers had a lower risk of death from all causes than non-coffee drinkers.

The study followed more than 400,000 participants for over a decade and found that those who drank coffee had a reduced risk of death from various causes, including heart disease, respiratory disease, stroke, diabetes, and infections.

Coffee can improve cognitive

Caffeine is the primary active ingredient in coffee and is known to stimulate the central nervous system, improving cognitive function, and

Numerous studies have shown that coffee can improve various aspects of brain function, including memory, mood, reaction time, and mental alertness. However, it is worth noting that the effects of caffeine can vary depending on the individual, and excessive caffeine consumption can cause adverse side effects.

Coffee beans are not beans. Contrary to popular belief, coffee beans are not beans at all. They are, in fact, the seeds of the coffee fruit, commonly referred to as “cherries.”

The coffee plant produces fruit that resembles a cherry, with a thin layer of pulp surrounding two seeds. The seeds are removed from the pulp, dried, and roasted to produce coffee beans. There are two primary species of coffee plants: Arabica and Robusta, and each species has different characteristics that influence the flavor and quality of the coffee.

In conclusion, coffee is much more than just a popular beverage. It is a global commodity that supports the livelihoods of millions of people, has numerous health benefits, and can improve cognitive function. Despite its popularity, many people are still unaware of the facts and myths surrounding coffee. As you savor your next cup of coffee, take a moment to appreciate the rich history and fascinating science behind this beloved beverage.

Despite its popularity, many people are still unaware of the facts and myths...

Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.

- Warren Buffet

Goat The Farmer

Things to consider before you start

Written by: FarmerKhalil – Animal Nutritionist

1 2 3 4 5

Define your operation purpose before venturing into goat rearing; is your production formeat, milk or a hobby. This decision guides action plans, for example some goat breeds are specific to production type. A boer goat is domesticated for meat production while a saanen for milk.

Consider your business needs and expansion plan, some key questions:

1. What is the maximum carrying capacity this land can support, and 2. How will I feed these animals?

A major challenge faced by goat farmers is farm theft and predation by dogs; ensure measures are in place to protect your investment. This should include fencing, protective housing features, camera systems, guard dogs, community policing also a close relationship with the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

Networking with successful goat farmers or expert will provide a solid support for your business growth and productivity. The willingness to research and seek guidance can provide a smoother business start-up which if not understood can lead to avoidable mistakes.

Ensure a budget is done including a solid implementation plan supported by a cash inflow and outflow statement.

A reasonable agriculture would do its best to emulate nature. Rather than change the earth to suit a crop it would diversify its crops to suit the earth.”

- Verlyn Klinkenborg

Enhance Your Investment

Innovative Strategies to Decision-Making Skills in 2023

Investing can be a great way to grow your wealth over time, but it’s important to make informed decisions that align with your goals and risk tolerance. Here are three ways to improve your investment decision-making in 2023:

Do your research and stay informed

The more you know about the companies and industries you’re investing in, the better equipped you’ll be to make informed decisions. Follow market news and trends, read financial reports and earnings calls, and stay up to date on any regulatory or policy changes that could impact your investments. Use reliable sources, speak with your investment advisor and avoid getting caught up in hype or speculation.

Define your investment goals and risk tolerance

Before investing, take the time to define your investment goals and risk tolerance. What are you hoping to achieve through your investments? Are you willing to take on more risk for potentially higher returns, or do you prefer a more conservative approach? Understanding your personal preferences and goals will help you make investment decisions that align with your needs.

Diversify your portfolio

iversification is key to managing risk and optimizing returns. By investing in a variety of assets across different industries and regions, you can reduce your exposure to any single risk or event. Consider investing in a mix of stocks, bonds, real estate, and alternative assets, depending on your goals and risk tolerance.

You can improve your chances of achieving long-term financial success and creating a portfolio that can survive market volatility and economic risks by implementing these techniques.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries reported a 9.9 per cent increase in domestic crop production of 846, 508 tonnes for 2022, compared to 770,456 tonnes in 2021. “This figure represents production performance within the subsector which has surpassed 800,000 tonnes and reflects seven consecutive quarters of growth since the second quarter of 2021.

The fourth quarter (October to December 2022) showed an increase of 4.6 per cent (199,868.6 tonnes), compared to 190,990 tonnes in the similar period of 2021.

Other accomplishments include a 15 per cent growth in Tilapia fry production to support aquaculture.

Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., M.P Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries