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Farmers’ Association aids in food self-sufficiency
The “Dartmouth Farmers’ Association” came into existence almost 27 years ago to allow small farmers within the community to become self-sufficient. The group currently has a membership of 56.
The primary plan was to plant and to sell red beans on a larger scale.
The task ahead was however hard but with diligence and the desire to create a better life for themselves, members continued to confront those hurdles. They are living a better life today.
“It’s really hard work but I continue to see the many rewards”.
Etta Stephens, Secretary of the “friendly group” said that while the group consists of mainly women and young people, there is still room for even more young people to become members. The organization was designed to accommodate particularly unemployed youths and women in fostering an interest in agriculture.
Stephens said that in the past, Dartmouth was self-sufficient, and was known as a community that produced ground provisions, fruits and vegetables for the Region. Stephens said that unlike today where vendors come into Dartmouth and sell their produce, the situation was in reverse back then.
Acres of lands aback of the community of Dartmouth are being cultivated with red peas by small farmers who are owners of those lands. Over the years, due to the success of the Farmers’ Association, the group was able to garner assistance from a Canadian non- governmental organization and the government in the form of the modification of a drying floor and a peas thrasher.
Stephens said the group plants twice annually and usually sells their produce to the “middle man” who in turn resells that product to customers outside of the Region. The local NGO also has markets at the local supermarkets in Region Two.
The farmers’ organization is however seeking the clearing of additional farm lands to produce more and a tractor to assist in ploughing the land.
Chairman of the organization, Simon, sees the organization producing over 5,000 pounds of peas in the next decade, provided that the group is successful in acquiring their own tractor. (Yannason Duncan)
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