Patricia Isaacs-Green in the section of the farm where oranges are grown.

Long before Agriculture Minister Dr Christopher Tufton 2008 budget speech outlined the need for sustainable food production in Jamaica, the 310-acre Green Produce Farm had been playing its part. Located just on the outskirts of Claremont in St Ann, the farm is owned and operated by businesswoman Patricia Isaacs-Green, who up to recently operated JamRock Sports Bar and Grill in New Kingston.

But having acquired the property in 2002, she was bitten by the farming bug and after much study, research and hands-on experience, she set about planting cash crops such as tomatoes, cabbage, cauliflower, papaya, sweet peppers. Isaacs-Green quickly realised it was best to stay away from the already saturated tomato and cabbage markets and focus on less traditional crops.

Full-time farmer

The decision to become a full-time farmer came soon after and Isaacs-Green now resides in the garden parish close to her property. Just over 100 acres are currently under citrus, sweet potato, pumpkin, okra, baby corn and fresh-water fish production. Ironically, she had already acquired cassava sticks for planting before Dr Tufton issued the challenge to grow the crop.

Naysayers have their doubts but the versatile plant can be used to make tapioca, bammies and flour. A few years ago, locally produced cassava pancake mix was introduced to local supermarkets.

The newest addition to the roster of crops at Green Produce Farm is baby corn. This crop has the potential to fetch £3.50 on the European market.

The Lifestyle team visited the farm last Monday.