Farmers on the Move reaps first crop from Paraquita Bay farm
Mr Smith disclosed that the students reaped a 70-pound maiden crop of healthy cucumbers, which he revealed would be donated to two non-profit groups as a show of gratitude for the community’s support in their endeavours.
Farmers on the Move has men identified the Peebles Hospital and Adina Donovan Home for the Elderly as the beneficiaries.
Mr Smith said there are currently many persons at the hospital suffering from ailments such as diabetes and it was felt that their “small token” would assist in letting persons know that the way to counteract most disease was by eating healthy.
The crop had taken approximately six weeks to mature and the group stated that among the crops planted on the plot allotted were corn and okras.
Fifteen persons had previously graduated from the group’s course in August 2012.
The acquisition and planting of the land located at Paraquita Bay was part of Phase Two of the group’s project and is being used as a model project in farming for the participants.
The group had initially requested a ten-acre plot of land to carry out the second phase of their initiative but was instead granted a quarter acre of land, which they proposed to make the most of under the circumstances.
Smith said earlier that once the produce has been grown “we will bring the government to at least see that we are serious concerning the development of this industry.”
He added that it was hoped this would “help them to take a more open approach to give us prime land that will be conducive to us in fulfilling this project.”
Smith added that currently the plot size will not be sufficient to accommodate all the farmers but hopefully with discussions, government will more readily assist with having more land to actually complete the full project.
12 Responses to “Farmers on the Move reaps first crop from Paraquita Bay farm”
I think farming is a noble profession and a rewarding one. However, I am not familiar with any other farmers who were simply GIVEN land to use!
Why is it that so many people think that the rest of us (taxpayers) should provide them with the means to make a living? The next thing you know, Mr. Smith will go to government to say that this bug or that bug is destroying HIS crops. Then what? Are we (the taxpayers) supposed to pay for whatever chemicals are needed to keep the bugs off?
Where does all this GIVING of the taxpayers land, money, etc. end? First its the tent city vendors, then the farmers. Who's will be next with their hands out? Are we living in a capitalistic society or some weird form of a socialistic oligarchy? I really don't understand!
What line do I stand in for MY handout?