“Sowing Seeds of Life” through Agriculture

Of the 200 acres of land owned by Operation Double Harvest in Haiti, approximately 150 acres are dedicated to agriculture and horticulture. The farm is managed and staffed by Haitians, with consulting services, machinery, and materials donated by U. S. board members and friends in the agricultural and horticultural industry.

Greenhouses provide 67,000 square feet of space to propagate, among other products, up to two million tree seedlings annually. These are produced for both non-government organizations (NGOs) as well as the Department of Agriculture for reforestation purposes. Over 90% of the population cooks with charcoal or wood, making this program essential to the economy. Operation Double Harvest also grows many varieties of ornamental plants and flowers as well as starter plants for salads, beets, tomatoes, egg plant, onions etc. The bulk of these are planted in our own fields for food production. The remainder of the land is used in the production of corn, sorghum, dry beans, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, tropical fruit trees, and a large area for vegetables.

The grain and vegetables are sold to hundreds of venders who in turn sell in the market places. Thus, employment is provided not only for many farm laborers, but also for hundreds of venders who provide food for thousands of people. Much of the produce is also used in feeding programs for the students in our school, the school staff, as well as the farm employees.

The farm and greenhouses are equipped with modern equipment including miles of drip irrigation and "ebb & flood" methodology. Irrigation comes from an extensive system of canals from a small river, as well as from six deep wells on the property and a large reservoir. The wells also provide clean, potable water to the farm, school, clinic, homes on the property, and to villages in the area. Commercial electricity is not dependable, thus power is generated on site.

The farm also manufactures and markets Haiti Mix. This is a product made from waste sugar cane which is composted, then chopped and mixed with chaff from rice hulls and soil. This provides a potting soil for the greenhouses.

At the beginning of each work day, a twenty minute evangelistic and devotional service is held and is led by Christian leaders who are among the work force and by the missionary in residence. It is well attended and sets a great atmosphere for the day. A recent program is the noon meal that is provided to the farm workers. With many unable to afford breakfast, the increased productivity and moral far outweigh the cost at $0.29/ plate! Thus the mission of Double Harvest is being accomplished– “Sowing Seeds of Life”.