Vanessa Fullwood tends to her pepper farm in Bogue, St Elizabeth.

Vanessa Fullwood has spent the better part of her youth on the family farm; it was therefore no surprise to her parents and friends that she would someday consider the field of agriculture her occupation.

Agriculture is seen by many as a 'man's world' but 20-year-old Fullwood has chosen to pass off this view as myth. She points out that her career choice has been rewarding so far and she cannot envisage her life any other way.

For her, growing up on a farm in the rural township of Bogue, St Elizabeth, has assisted in character building and has taught her the value of hard work and dedication.

Credits her father

Calm demeanour aside, Vanessa credits her father for her formal entry into the agricultural sector, explaining that he not only encouraged, but also taught her good agricultural practices while young.

She started her own pepper business with savings; later she was assisted by her parents who realised she was indeed serious about an agricultural venture. Now a skilled farmer, Fullwood reaps 20,000 pounds of pepper per week for the local market from a one-acre holding and has 13 employees. She also finds good business with vendors in the parish and the Grace pepper factory in Westmoreland.

High praises

With no training and only practical knowledge of the industry, the young farmer sings high praises for the Rural Agricultural Development Authority extension officers, who she says were always available to provide technical information and training.

"They are impressed by the fact that I am a female and being so young, they help me a lot. If I am experiencing any problems, I can call them and ask any question," she said. Despite the delicate balance between life and business and the challenges of being a young female farmer, the youngster has remained positive. "I am planning to stay in the sector as long as I can because for me it's not about money.

It is about the love I have for what I do, it is my passion," she said.

As a result, some four acres have been prepared for pepper production, while seedlings are being secured and planting is expected to commence next month.