(CREAD) -Young budding farmers in Dominica will soon be exposed to the benefits and techniques of permaculture farming by Aubrey Bynoe, Owner and Operator of Free Up Farms in Syndicate, St. John.

His journey began three years ago in Syndicate when Aubrey returned to his father’s birthplace to find a piece of land to embark on exploring regenerative agriculture. Thus, the dawn of Free Up Farms which has been transformed from a hurricane ravaged jungle-like environment to one where carefully curated root crops, fruits, herbs and trees now dance a magical symphony, creating a farm that has become the blueprint for a privately funded replica in Calibishie, St. Andrew.

The Syndicate based farm is home to over 40 varieties of tropical fruits, herbs, medicinal plants, peppers; and exotic types like cacao, moringa, vanilla, bay leaf, ylang ylang, jasmine, cashew and coffee just to name a few. Core farm operations are completely off the grid and is powered by solar and wind produced energy. 

Aubrey’s farm has become a “must visit” for eco-tourists to Dominica and curious locals alike; having

received hundreds of visitors in the few short years of its operation. The farm’s reputation and work ethic has led to in-house consultancy services which include all aspects of farm design: Clearing and earthworks, plant and tree-crop sourcing, infrastructure construction, off-grid energy options and recurring maintenance schedules. 

The farm will also become an education center and agro-tourism destination offering guided tours and salient information on permaculture, regenerative agriculture and composting. Free Up Farms also supplies both luxury hotels, Secret Bay and Cabrits Resort and Spa, Kempinski, with organic produce for their guests; along with “pay what you can” goods to the surrounding community, ensuring everyone has access to chemical-free food.

Target #18 of the 20 Key Targets in CREAD’s Roadmap to Resiliency specifically speaks to 60% of agriculture land to be cultivated organically and a full ban on use of chemical pesticides in national parks and near rivers. Free Up farms is a shining example of target #18 and CREAD is now looking into opportunities with the farm to expose and introduce students and young farmers to the relatively new and innovative methods of permaculture recognising that there is growing awareness about the benefits of alternative agricultural practices like permaculture, against the backdrop of a continuing global pandemic.

In the past, CREAD provided the farm owner with guidance, direction and advice through its Agriculture, MSME and Economic Development Leads back in 2019. “We are very pleased and encouraged by the rapid progress made on the farm inclusive of the spin off benefits to the country, community and citizens. We certainly look forward to establishing a deeper connection by introducing farmers to this enterprising and innovative entrepreneur.”