Contributed
Farmer Vaughn Ebanks tends to a plot of cantaloupe on his farm located in the Pedro Plains area of St Elizabeth.

From refrigeration technician to budding agriculturist, reads the résumé of 33-year-old Vaughn Ebanks, who hails from Pedro Plains in the parish of St Elizabeth.

While some people frown at the thought of getting their hands dirty, Ebanks takes a different view, explaining that his love for farming started at a tender age. He was in love with farming from as early as primary school and later, after quitting his job, he took on the occupation full time.

"It is as if it's something I was born to do, I was doing it from primary school and I fully entered the sector about 13 years ago," he said.

Now that he has made the transition, he proudly points out that his time is consumed by the many plots of watermelon, cantaloupes, honeydews, carrots, cucumbers, cauliflowers, scallions and tomatoes he cultivates.

Although he has no formal training in the agricultural sector, Vaughn maintains that the transition from refrigeration specialist to a farmer was a relatively easy one, as he had the full backing of his family who were also financiers of his project.

"I never had to borrow money from any institution. Family helped me along the way until I became independent," he said.

Looking back, he says his main challenge was to source markets for his produce, however, with the many vendors who heard about him and later visited to buy produce, soon, he was able to develop an ardent clientele.

Supplier of fresh fruits

Additional markets were acquired through visits to hotels. To date, he is the supplier of fresh fruits and vegetables to six north coast hotels during off-peak seasons, with more coming on-board during the height of tourist seasons.

"I do not have much spoilage because I can always call on my vendors when crops are ready," he boasted, while adding that instances of spoilage only occur if there is a severe glut in the market.

Quizzed on the use of technology in growing his crops, the enthusiastic farmer quickly pointed out that he has been using only traditional farming techniques and is successfully reaping yields in excess of 5,000 pounds of produce per week, from the 15 acres of land that is at various stages of production.

"I'm thinking about the use of greenhouse technology, but for right now, I am only using traditional farming techniques," said Ebanks.

Success aside, Ebanks laments the rising cost of inputs such as fertiliser, chemicals and the wage bill for a staff of six or more he employs.

Similar to other farmers in the parish, Vaughn notes that he too is plagued by praedial larceny, especially when the price of a particular commodity is lofty. However, he has employed creative methods of tackling the issue albeit archaic.

"What we would do is arrange with about two of the workers to watch the field in the nights for about two weeks before the crops reaches maturity," he says.

But what motivates him amid his challenges? He points to the independence that farming allows him to have. "It's not as if you have to get up early and go to work from nine to five, I don't have a schedule," he quipped.

The returns from the sector have been very rewarding for the young farmer, as he was able to construct his home solely from the money he earned tilling the soil.

"I think I have been successful because I can see things that I have acquired through farming," said Ebanks.

Plans for the future

"I want to continue in the sector, and especially expand production as the need arises. I would also like to get involved in greenhouse production," he said.

Some of his plans may soon materialise, as he has already applied to the Ministry of Agriculture for assistance in obtaining a greenhouse.

"I am all for the use of technology in the sector, anything that will make the work easier and cause you to spend less money, I support," the entrepreneur affirms.