Sustainable Agriculture
Our farming initiatives at Mustard Seed Communities are designed to address the nutritional needs of our residents, raise funds through the sale of produce and meat, and extend our resources out to the community . While every apostolate incorporates green space for farming, our sustainable agriculture programs in rural homes play a pivotal role in realizing this vision.
On our on-site farms, we raise and grow:
Eggs
2,040 eggs are produced on our farms daily to provide essential nutrients.
Tilapia
1,000 lbs of fish are harvested from our two tilapia ponds every year.
Honey
Honey collected from our bee hives flavors food and is sold worldwide.
Vegetables
A variety of life-giving produce is harvested from our farms and served to the residents.
Jamaica
Jerusalem’s farming and agriculture programs include over 3,000 egg laying birds, a coop of broiler chickens, a tilapia pond, honey-producing beehives, and vegetable gardens. The chickens produce 2,800 eggs per day, which are used by MSC residents and sold in excess to local supermarkets and hotels.
At Jacob’s Ladder in Moneague, a home that cares for nearly 100 adults with disabilities, we raise various animals like chickens, pigs, and goats for high-protein food sources. Additionally, we cultivate produce such as tomatoes and peppers in four thriving greenhouses and farm 10 acres of field crops, including sweet potatoes, cabbage, sorrel, and potatoes. The apostolate also hosts 10 acres of farmland and multiple greenhouses, all serving as lasting sources of nourishment for our community.
Watch a brief overview of our sustainable agriculture in action at Jerusalem, a Mustard Seed home in Jamaica.
Nicaragua
Hogar Belen Diriamba in Nicaragua encompasses initiatives in broiler chicken farming and cultivating regional crops. The resulting meat and produce now contribute to in-house consumption, addressing the nutritional requirements of our residents in Diriamba and Managua.
Dominican Republic
In the Dominican Republic, a second apostolate named Hogar Niños de Dios is currently under construction, incorporating a farming initiative into its design. Recognizing the growing demand for food across the countries we serve, cultivating food and offsetting operational expenses through its profits aligns with Mustard Seed Communities’ strategic approach.
Zimbabwe
In Zimbabwe, our on-site farm and bakery generate 100 eggs and 60 loaves of bread daily, catering to both the residents and supporting various MSC nutrition programs that benefit the broader community.
Our farms generate income to build independence.
Our overarching goal is to foster self-sufficiency and sustainability at each farming location, empowering local communities to thrive. As these projects flourish, surplus crops and livestock are sold to neighboring communities, providing a source of income. The profits generated contribute to defraying our general operating costs, with a significant focus on addressing the growing need for food.
Engaging adults with disabilities in farming instills a sense of agency.
In Jamaica and Nicaragua, we foster a sense of individual responsibility among our older residents at Jacob’s Ladder, Jerusalem!, and Hogar Belen Diriamba. Encouraging them to contribute to their communities through farming, this initiative aims to impart valuable skills for everyday living.
REad About Seeds of Growth in the Mustard Seed Blog
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Powering the Good: Sustainability through Farming and Solar Power
Sustainable Agriculture
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Jacob’s Ladder Celebrates 15 Years!
Adults with Disabilities
Shelter