SABA–The Showroom Intensive Horticulture Pilot has completed construction and seedling
trials have started.
Jim Garza of Gezondheid Farms, the public private initiative to develop agriculture at Rendez-
Vous, aims to have the first round of crop harvested by end of February. “We will be providing a
spring salad mix in a 1/2lb biodegradable, twisty wire sealing, breathable paper bag with our
local grown labelling. Crop variety trials are being run with romaine, butterhead, arugula,
oakleaf, baby kale, mini chive, mizuna mustard, radish microgreen, and other vegetables,” he
said.
Gezondheid Farms wants to provide a window of exposure to Saba’s youth to help inspire them
to consider science, technology, engineering and mathematical fields of career choices that
they have little to no exposure to on the island. “Learning how Mother Nature influences plants
is intriguing when you involve electronics and sensors into the learning mix. We are all about
energy, frequency, and vibration over the amplitude of time, taught with simplicity while having
fun eating what we grow,” said Garza.
Educate students
The Saba Comprehensive School (SCS) has been looking for a traditional farmer for a while and
until now was unable to hire one to support the students’ learning. After a work visit early in
2022, SCS Director Anton Hermans and SCS Pro/Vocational Department Leader Madelyn
Johnson were inspired by the advanced technology and the possibility to educate the students
about this agricultural approach. “We will be looking into starting a program that can be
supported by the advanced technology and concepts used by the Gezondheid Farm,” Director
Hermans said.
To make a start, the SCS will start a pilot program with Grade 6 of the primary school as part of
sensitizing them for possible activities and classes when they formally continue their education
at the High School. “We aim to incorporate these new technologies in our Lower Forms
curriculum and after-school clubs to show the students that there are alternatives as an answer
January 27, 2022
Note for the Editor: for more information contact communications officer Suzanne Koelega
suzanne.koelega@sabagov.nl
to the ever-growing demand for food and make them more mindful about Mother Earth,” said
Hermans.
Gezondheid Farms will be assisting the SCS on Tuesdays from 12:30pm – 2pm for 10 weeks,
starting in February 2022. Students will receive equipment and supplies for home research
growing when entering in the program. Additional seed, fertilizer, and medium supplies can be
provided by Gezondheid Farms to the students with 1 hour of light volunteer work at the farm
to keep them engaged throughout the year.
Engage youth
Commissioner of Agricultural Affairs Rolando Wilson, an avid supporter of agricultural projects
on Saba, set the example for the youth to get engaged in technology available on the island as
the community works on improving health and well-being. Wilson paid a visit to Gezondheid
Farm last week and received an update on the project. He encouraged students and young
people in general to get involved in agriculture. “Tomorrow’s leading agricultural biotechnology
scientists, biologists, chemists, electrical, mechanical, computer and software engineers can
sprout the seed of knowledge, starting here at home with Saba’s youth. Let’s work together to
make that happen,” said Wilson.
Food safety
It is important to inspire Saba’s youth to look at Intensive Horticulture to address tomorrow’s
food safety and security issues, said Garza of Gezondheid Farms. By introducing indoor growing
technologies inspired by electronics and gaming software networked into computerized
growing systems, it seems to gain their interest over dealing with soil, the sun, and pests per
conventional outdoor farming methods.
“Tomorrow’s farmers are not just outside laborers. The industry has changed the way we grow
crops by opening the door to expose youth to electrical and mechanical engineering, computer
software and hardware applications, chemistry in nutrient applications, plant biology related to
plant health and disease, nutrition and human health related to vitamin and mineral content,
while improving eating habits to lower heart disease, diabetes and obesity in the community,”
said Garza.