The following synthesis of “Lessons Learned” is based on the experiences of 15 differently-abled seedling growing families and 7 groups of organic farmers from across the island.  They were shared with us through formal survey interviews, under the branches of trees ripe with fruit and generous with shade, and in the rattling heat of a speeding white pickup under the Barbadian sun.  The process was romantic and enthralling, sometimes it was frustrating, and we hope that it will prove to be forever rewarding.  

The synthesis of these many narratives is offered with the hope of finding some common way forward, one that leads to a successful and lucrative partnership for both groups of stake-holders in the form of the OAS.  With this in mind, we ask hindsight – and our interpretation of what went well and what could have gone better – to serve the future generously.

To review: three groups of farmers were each responsible for a group of 4-6 seedling growers who were divided amongst them by loose parish (geographic) groupings.  

The Successes of the UNDP-Sponsored Project:
The prevailing consensus from the yearlong project was that it was a fruitful endeavor with positive feedbacks for individual growth, organic development, and for the environment.  Often cited claims were that the project brought participants “joy from working with the earth,” a sense of accomplishment from producing a crop for planting then eating, and a sense of purpose derived from contributing to an organic movement they felt privileged to learn about and of which to be a part.  The project empowered its members and allowed them to experiment outside of the comfort zone of their ordinary lives.  

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Learning about backyard organic agriculture and its positive feedbacks for personal nutrition, community development, and Barbadian solidarity and security in the world food market, played a central role in defining success for some members.  Education was a foremost priority and accomplishment for these members.  Their commitment and enthusiasm about the project was or became ideological.  

For others, the fruits of the project were more tangible: seedling growing supplemented their income and left them with some new crops around their own homes.  They were satisfied by the greater freedom their participation in the project awarded them.  For farmers specifically, the project increased the availability that a ready supply of seedlings could be available for planting.  Their aspiration was that the certainty of this supply would increase with the future.  

Farmers and seedling growers alike described a range of monetary profit generated by the project.  The discrepancy in revenues across parishes appeared to be a concern that would become of greater relevance in the future, but that was at present secondary to the fulfillment of getting the project started.  

The project participants unanimously agreed that they felt the project was worthwhile and were enthusiastic about the aspiration that the project evolve into a business.  Some admitted that they would be unable to take on a role greater than the one they already held but expressed their desire to remain involved in this same capacity into the future.  

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The Weaknesses of the UNDP-Sponsored Project:
The weaknesses of the project revolve around 3 axes: problems related to transportation, communication, and the quality of compost.  

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It is the unwritten agreement that it is the responsibility of the farmers to drop off the inputs (compost, trays, seedlings) for growing seedlings and to pick them up when they are mature.  This happened with varying success among the three groups of farmers.  The growers and farmers attached to the project leader, John Hunte, expressed the fewest concerns related to transportation problems.  Both growers and farmers attached to Cornerstone Farm and to Michael Bradshaw’s farm repeatedly expressed that transportation and pick-up was not reliable.  Whether transportation is a physical problem (lack of an actual vehicle) or a question of willingness or availability of existing means of transportation is something that the farmers especially, must address.  The drop off of inputs and the pick up of outputs must be more consistent across growers, farmers, and through time, for the business to be successful.  Failing to do so, seedling growers will be unproductive waiting for inputs, farmers will not receive the anticipated yield of seedlings, or mature seedlings will be lost as they are not planted before outgrowing their trays.  

Many farmers and a few growers have expressed their commitment to improving their mobility, either by accessing vehicles that can be borrowed or by committing greater personal initiative to resolving the problem.  

In the proposed OAS, the dissolution of the geographic groupings and the diffusion of all business responsibilities amongst the owners of the business should also help to remedy this problem.  Household and farm profits will reflect the ability of the OAS members to efficiently drop and collect the business inputs and outputs.  Furthermore, the creation of a committee of representatives for the seedling growers and the elevation of their status to that of equal partners in the context of the business should compel them to take greater initiative, where possible, to make the business parts mobile.  It should be noted that a disproportionate amount of the responsibility for transportation remains among the farmers; this is a cultural understanding (farmer “buyer” picks up grower’s “good”) and reflects the physical limitations of many of the seedling growers who are blind or confined to wheelchairs.  

Communication was not adequate, foremost between seedling growers and farmers.  This problem is congruent with the problem of transportation and caused many coordination failures that prevented seedlings from being efficiently grown and planted.  Expectations for all business activities and responsibilities need to be communicated more frequently, openly, and consistently.  This is also true of communication among growers, to help build solidarity amongst themselves.  It is again true in the case of the farmers, where expectations and the division of responsibilities often go unspoken.  Communication rather than assumptions will make the business successful.  

The quality and consistent provision of compost was the final main concern.  Especially by Cornerstone growers, compost was described as being “bad” or “poor quality,” often with rocks, pieces of glass, or big clumps in it.  The seedling growers have since expressed the desire to produce compost independently from the farmers; a few among them would develop the capacity to produce enough to supply the group of growers.  In addition to the agricultural benefit of better compost, the independent production of compost by the growers will bolster their level of autonomy from the farmers, to ensure the sustainability and profitability of the business.  

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In conclusion, these three weaknesses warrant attention for the business to be successful.  While transportation, communication and compost are the stated concerns, at their heart, these problems share common roots.  Extending the project into a business will require greater definition of roles and expectations of all stakeholders.  A default assumption commonly made over the past year was that John Hunte would attend to it, whatever it might be.  For the business to be sustainable, it should be the prerogative of each member to know, understand, and fulfill their stated responsibilities.  

A Business Structure Born of Lessons Learned

As embodied by the structure of the OAS, ownership of the business should be diffused among its members.  Greater responsibility has been transferred to the seedling growers as they have accepted to see themselves as equal partners opposite the farmers, represented by a committee of 5 members who will take leadership over the business affairs internal to the seedling grower side of operations.  These five positions on the grower side of the business will be mirrored by similar representatives on the farmer side of the business.  As the balance of responsibility shifts slowly towards equilibrium, with growers and farmers becoming increasingly comfortable with the new level of autonomy desired for the seedling growers, their side of the business should consolidate into a more formal structure.  

The farmers have already delegated the following roles and defined the associated responsibilities for each of the following: chair, secretary, accountant, quality control director, operations director, and marketing director.  The seedling growers have elected to distribute the responsibilities associated to each of these roles among a committee of 5 members (chosen by consensus), without attaching an official role title to any of them.  This decision was made to allow the seedling growers to evolve naturally into their new responsibility, without prematurely imposing a foreign structure on them.  Their goal is that they will develop an understanding of how business operations are conducted and will shortly grow comfortable towards accepting roles that will mirror those accepted by the farmers.

so that’s that!
i’m going to see if I can find a way to post some visual representations of the business evolution…

onelove, for real! 
-Hayley

I am an enthusiastic advocate of this phenomenon. In daily activities, elaborate plans, in thoughts, in dreams, in friendships, in families, in life. A saviour from the intensity of an extreme. It’s why we can walk on two feet, it’s why we can enjoy some things and not others, its why opposites attract.

I have really enjoyed working along side all 3 of the girls throughout the past few months. Everyone has contributed greatly to a very enjoyable experience. I would not call Emily the ”pessimist,” but rather the challenger, challenging the sometimes unlimited positivity of the others. Jo, aka, quality control, aka “lets have a meeting” is the glue that holds us together, her  attention to detail is totally admirable. Haley’s ability to make any stray person along the way instantly trust/love her has been an extremely valuable especially considering the amount of people we have met over the past while. I look forward to one more great month in the truck, at the farm, at cheapside market, with John Mel & Peter, in Zion.

-Jesse RD

Newly Appointed Chairperson of the OAS, Mr. Mike Bradshaw

Reflection Of Workshop: There was so much positive energy on the grounds of Bellairs last Monday that I cannot help but to be optimistic. This project will develop/grow/become something because there are so many people that want it to happen. With a little bit more effort from the farmers, and some increased leadership among the growers, I believe that eventually the masses among each group will hop on board and make the most of this organic mission. As temporary interns, only in the country for a few months, there are only so many meeting we can hold and interviews we can conduct. The people directly involved in this project will need to devote themselves to the mission they have commited to in order to see all of the fruits this tree can grow. I have preached my whole life the idea of ”everyone taking care of their own business,” there has never been a more appropriate example of this philosophy. If everyone can embrace their newly determined roles and make a concious effort to succeed, the organic network of the Caribbean will sprout quicker than an okra patch. brupp! brupp!

-Jesse RD

Haley, Emily, Jo and Mike Bradshaw

But ultimately we must be thankful for any taste, any experience and any conversation. The workshop was a needed spark for the OAS. No, things are not perfect, but what in this world is? Every interaction brings us further in our ability to make decisions and achieve success. All members of the workshop were happy to be there, to see themselves controlling their own destiny.

The farmers worked hard to divide tasks and create a system with which they could be successful. The growers are embracing their autonomy and power within the business. Both parties are striving for growth. As the interns of this project we can only hope that our energy and hard work will motivate others, as much as we take from them we must return with youthfulness and positivity. I have faith in the future of this organization, because the underlying foundation of trust and respect is there, it is just the kinks that need to be adjusted.

- Jo(sephus)

After the farmers, seedling growers, and interns shared their reflections about the UNDP project our mentor John discussed the partnership agreement and business structure. For many, it seemed as if it was the first time they were being explained the documents – and this puzzled me because I had assumed that at least the business structure was understood. Afterwards, John suggested that everyone in the room describe how they saw the business – which I thought was a great idea, since it seemed like there was still a great deal of confusion. However, one of the farmers disagreed with this direction of agenda, saying that the business was understood. One of the more outspoken seedling growers responded that just because he was clear, didn’t mean the rest of the group was…

This ‘squabble’ represented the complexity of the farmer grower relationship and of the business structure. Throughout the workshop, and in discussions, the farmers were quick to agree and assumed optimistic ‘leader’ positions. The growers, I felt, were more apt to question and swayed to the side of rational realism. They felt the business structure & proposed roles were ambitious goals for the future – something that as a new organization wouldn’t be able to manage. A lot of the growers did not realize the extent to which they would be autonomous from the farmers, but when this realization dawned upon them they were ready to face this challenge. 

I came away with mixed feelings from the workshop. The group is all meeting again once the Partnership Agreement has been amended, business roles have been assigned, and everyone seems to be a bit more clear on the business. However, I must admit I am nervous about the implementation of the business. After completing the UNDP surveys, we learnt that a lot of people did not live up to their role in the project. I sincerely hope that this does not happen in the business, and even though with the creation of roles there are more check-points, I am wary that there will be a lot of ‘talk’ and not a lot of ‘action’ on everyone’s part. The implementation of this business is not a mere step away from the UNDP project, it is a giant leap and the extent of this jump may not be fully understood by all members.

At the end of the day I was running across the Bellairs campus and I saw a shooting star clearly above in the night sky, slowly falling through the universe. It made me realize that despite my somewhat pessimistic outlook, its not worth giving up hope. Sometimes you have to leap to realize how far you have come – - and how the work, was worth it.

EMILY

1. Will the OAS be able to unite as one?

2. What are our future roles and objectives?

3. COMPOST!

and many more….

On a side note, the more time I spend with my fellow the interns, the more I realize everyone’s unique beauty and spirit. Nothing would be possible without our combined powers and energies and I thank each of you for creating an environment that is so loving and supportive.

Ishorty (em) – Your questions prompt a deep and new sense of awareness that I don’t always acknowledge, thank you for being there to bring out a new side in each of us. Your devoted, dedicated and loyal – and wonderous……

Ichi  (jesse) – ‘Heart of Gold’ is how I often describe you, putting the needs of others ahead of yourself. Striving to bring unity, comfort and contentment. Your vibe is nothing but genuine love and concern. The ironman is in you.

Itouch (hayl) – Representer of equality and justice, you are the Jah Army all on  your own. You strive for empowerment and sharing…. aka synergy? Continue your truth to the lover that you are.

Fresh salad with a ginger-lemon dressing.

Sauteed vegetables with fresh sage, basil and thyme.

Polenta casserole stuffed with eggplant and sweet potato.

And don’t forget the homemade golden apple juice and Caribbean beer.

Mouthwatering delicacies. All created with local produce from the Cheapside Market, prepared by past and present interns of the Organic Farm. No matter what has brought you to the market, aimless wander or the search for a particular ingredient, one is automatically captivated by the colors, textures and shapes of  Mother Earth. Every farmer has a different tale to tell or recipe to offer, unique to Barbados and their experiences in the field.

Tomorrow morning all the seedling growers and farmers will come together to discuss the formation of the business. In this meeting we hope for each member of the OAS to solidify their partnership and walk away with a sense of satisfaction and responsibility. Satisfied with their decision-making and purpose; responsible for specific tasks which will help to develop their micro-enterprise for a sustainable future.

We are greatly looking forward to what tomorrow has to offer.

- Jo

With our face-to-face interviews out of the way and the readily availability of our mentors, Monday was an excellent opportunity to be on John’s farm and learn a little bit about the practicalities of farmwork. John, Peter, and Mel taught us, (mostly by their actions), which plants were really weeds, what needed to be chopped and turned into mulch, what needed to be picked etc. The day was quite enjoyable, minimally strenuoius and very relaxing. Much of the morning was spent continuing our on going discussion of morals, values, thoughts, ways of thinking- always interesting. Previous posts from Hayley and Jo articulate these conversations in a very accurate mannor. It has been very refreshing to constantly be challenged into thinking about things that a most certainly important in a world littered with so much nonsense.

Just as we were finishing up in the field, before we braked for lunch, a few minutes of silence were followed by an encore of sing-a-longs. I think we all learned something new… hah.

As we ate lunch under the tree by the farm, we discussed the agenda and other details for the upcoming workshop which will be held at Bellairs on November 10th. Everything seems to be falling into place nicely. We expect the workshop to be extremely effective in asigning roles within the future business to both seedling growers and farmers. The event will also give everyone the chance to meet face-to-face and address any questions or concerns. So far we have contacted to majority of the people who will play an important role at the meeting and we are really looking forward to it!

Talk to you soon, cool?

-Jesse

All this prodding brings me to the same conclusion: it leaves me feeling incredibly unresolved as a person and amounts to some confusion about “who I am.”  This is reinforced by the fact that I just got off the phone after a check-in call from Peter who asked me

1) am I still eating meat? (yes)

2) have I fasted to cleanse my body? (no)

3) who am i? (everything or Being)

4) what am i doing? (walking the Holetown watershed to assess land use)

I admit that this post is not explicitly linked to the internship.  Nonetheless I think the abstraction is relevant in the sense that the organic growth that our mentors are promoting, both in the earth and in the self, compels me to recognize the interdependence of all these experiences and processes.  I’m probably going to indulge this conviction and continue writing more often about matters in my mind rather than the events around me.

Meanwhile, we have started to plan a workshop between the differently-abled seedling growers and the farmers to synchronize the vision for the organic business across the two groups.  The goal is to empower each body to function internally independent from the other while also capacitating them to enter into a healthy and reciprocal business partnership with the other.  This theme of interdependence is omnipresent!  

-Hayley

Pickers of minds and excavation of souls… our mentors are a wonderful collection of individuals. Their power and positive influence have a substantial affect on how we view the world on a daily basis, but if you can believe it, they aren’t the only ones that have wisdom to offer.

The past week has been an intensive period with our mentors – completing tasks to the best of our ability that will bring us further in forming the micro-enterprise. Communication has certainly been the theme of the week, as we have been speaking with farmers and growers to gain insight into their perspectives, feelings and thoughts. We are hoping that by speaking with everyone involved in the project we will be able to facilitate a business that meets everyone’s needs. Interviewing the growers has thrown us for a bit of a loop; we were surprised to hear their limited understanding with respect to the business. Not to say that they don’t want to have a part in the business, but there is not a unified perception among all stakeholders. This has emphasized the importance of creating a common goal that everyone is comfortable with. I think for now it will simply take time and patience, but with continued diligence I believe that everything is possible.

I have been reading a book about Karmic Astrology, lent to me by our mentor, Peter. The idea of Karma seems almost so obvious that it need not be described in books. Every action has a reaction – fairly simple, no? Yet, people often do not consider the ramifications of their decisions, statements nor actions. It is easier not to think and then blame negative consequences on situations outside of one’s control, instead of stepping back and examining what it is that we have done, maybe our past has brought us this reality? It is also important not to get caught in the past or the future; but to experience the Now, the oneness of the moment and all it has to bear. Those that are caught living in time different than where they really are, fail to recognize the beauty of every individual experience. As my time in Barbados is limited, I realize that there is nothing more important than being in the moment or at least in the most realistic of senses. Each experience must be appreciated and captured for all it is worth.

Last Friday, the interns went to a Health Event held by the government. They had information on nutrition and nurses administering minor tests to assess an individual’s wellbeing. The organic farmers had also been invited to attend the event and sell their produce. As we sat with the farmers and chatted about life, we were fortunate to meet the daughter of a fellow OGCA member. This young girl was 8-years old, but offered us the advice of an individual far beyond her years.

She said, “Watch your thoughts, because they become words. Watch yours words because they become actions. Watch your actions because they become habits. Watch your habits because they become characteristics. Watch your characteristics because they become your destiny.”

I could not agree more. Wisdom is not always a function of age, but to be found everywhere if one has an open mind and heart.

One love,

Jo