Our Regenerative Farming Practices
In a world of chemical farming, regenerative farming is the wave of the future and fundamental to world health. Regenerative farming principles are not new, but the way farming practices used to be. What is new, in relative historical terms, is the use of chemicals to provide a quick fix to farm problems and low costs to the consumer. This approach makes us ill, as no longer does food contain the vital nutrients and minerals it once had. Further, in the chemicalization of soils, people become disconnected from nature, believing that a certain powder (i.e. the magical pill) will solve the problem. Even more concerning is the fact that soil degradation and pollution dramatically increase with the use of harsh chemical practices. All of these concerns are taking place around the world and in Puerto Rico. However, we are seeking to change this approach with the use of soil rebuilding techniques in the form of vermiculture (worm farms), organic compost and fertilizers, and the utilization of traditional permaculture principles where trees and other beneficial plants are strategically planted so that plants help other plants generate a soil rich environment. We also work with other farmers to provide financial incentives so that they too change their farming practices and are financially rewarded for doing so.
Our specific processes: We have our own worm farm that generates approximately 15 gallons per week of worm tea, which is then applied to the coffee trees. We also create our own organic compost from sheep and chicken manure (all animals are pasture raised and/or fed organic feed). Further, we ferment liquid manures to increase their microbial content so as to make the organic matter more available to the root system and promote beneficial fungi. These are relatively complicated processes that the average reader may not understand. However, we are developing a more specific website that will explain these processes (stay tuned) and also seeking transparency.
