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.

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.

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.