Bella’s Farm A Growth Story

He found what he was looking for in farming. It wasn’t long before Bryan realized that he had stumbled upon something much bigger than himself— the perfect combination of sustainability, growth potential, and a stable future for his family and community.

He has been on this journey ever since, learning everything he can about hydroponics and aquaponics while applying his engineering background to solve problems as they arise. Here is Bryan’s Growth Story:

Why did you choose smart farming over the traditional?

“I don’t like hard work. Working hard- that is the past and we encourage people to try something new [by] showing them how creative things can be done. We don’t have to do the old type of farming. Nothing is wrong with old farming, but we want to do it the smart way.

At every step of the way, we want to ensure we are documenting so that we can get it right and then grow. We want to set up more green houses to increase the variety of crops grown here at Bella’s Farm.”

How affordable was it to get all the equipment and training required to run this business?

“Well, we are all engineers, and so we can figure out technical problems. Now, all we needed is training in agriculture. (chuckles, I am a Budding Farmer) In terms of affordability, it takes cash to start. I have put in up to $30 million into the operations thus far, and is procuring additional equipment to further increase productivity. It’s very expensive to start the smart way, but it is very lucrative.”

Since you started, what challenges did you face?

“We have had insects; we had fungus problems and the last one was a mite problem. But we have fixed them all. The fungus was because the humidity was too high. Insects came because we had a lot of leaks, and the eggs would hatch. We got rid of that by fixing the leaks.

There are basic things we thought would not be a problem that created an even bigger problem, but we did our research, sought advice from the experts and fixed them. We have more experience than when we just started out. Challenges are our way to find something else to solve. Also, what I realised, is that if the knowledge comes locally, it is not as accepted, versus if it comes from overseas.”

Would you encourage other farmers to go the smart way?

“Yes, the smart way is the best way. Not everybody has land. Some people might have a little one or twobedroom house which they can turn into a little business. You can grow some trees, grow mushrooms or micro greens, to make some money. It is about how much you really want the business. If you want to get some money, success or to even pay your bills. Even the the Minister of Agriculture started the “grow smart, eat smart” initiative; which I think is a great move. Smart farming systems reduce waste, improve productivity and enable management of a greater number of resources through remote sensing.”

Is there training available in Jamaica for smart farming because many people will want to go into smart farming?

“Information is available in Jamaica, just not readily available. Nevertheless, once you can read or go on YouTube, you can do your research. Persons can also visit our farm, and learn with us. Because we are also learning. Every day we realise where we can improve something in our operations. If we have a problem, a part of the solution is to research and learn.”

What are your thoughts on the future of farming in Jamaica?

“There is much room for improvement. Just like the Budding Farmers Grow Club that targets young children to get them into that automated and modern technology, we must show them how fun it is to learn. That is the only way to secure the future of farming. Now is the time to get kids into critical thinking about this type of business in a fun and smart way.”

Explain the smart farming techniques that you currently practise here.

“How much you know in farming will determine how smart your system will be. Every day we must improve something here because we are just learning a new technique.

The three types of farming here at Bella’s are hydroponics, aquaponics and aeroponics (Mist-based plant growing process). We got into aquaponics because there was a shortage of fertiliser, but the system was always designed to do that. With the operation we have going here, we use pretty much 10 per cent of what the average farmer would use out in the field. For communities with water-supply issues, setting up a greenhouse like this with hydroponics would eliminate that problem.”

What are your plans for continuity or expansion?

“We must get our systems in place, so we do alot of record keeping of what works and what doesn’t. We test and follow procedures every day so that we can share the knowledge and encourage everyone willing to learn from us. We will also be getting into partnerships with community members who have available lands. My plan for the community is to have them supplying all the foods that Jamaicans eat, so that we don’t have to export. Focus has been being placed on export; however, we must produce and feed the people first and then export the excess because that is the only way to control the food price. Imagine if I invest so much money here and tomorrow the lettuce drops to $10. We must be able to produce and keep our price at a standard rate so people can budget and have access to their food. With our greenhouse prices, we keep it steady, we will not increase or decrease it. That is real food security. We want to own a green grocer with a variety of produce from Bella’s Farm.”

“They will have the land and I will set up the systems for them so because it is on their land. We will give them a part of [the shares] so they are a member of the business. I want them to have money so they can feed people. It’s not just for me, it is for everybody.”