Jamaica’s climate is uniquely suited for growing a wide variety of crops, and with access to river water, BaKaBean Farm has the ability to sustain them effectively. The plan is to begin with trees that take approximately three years to mature, using clippings from strong, healthy specimens. This approach not only accelerates the fruiting process but also ensures the selection of high-quality genetics, setting the foundation for a productive and resilient orchard.
Orchard crop farming in Jamaica has proven to be a lucrative investment, with ackee, breadfruit, avocado, and mango leading as top exports to markets like Canada and the USA. These will form the core of BaKaBean’s resident orchard crops. While meat production won’t be a focus for export, raising livestock will play a key role in soil revitalization through manure production, while also providing a local, sustainable source of meat for the community.
At BaKaBean Farm, we prioritize crops that mature within 3 to 12 months, ensuring a steady supply of fresh, nutrient-rich foods for our members. Some of these crops, such as peppers, herbs, and leafy greens, thrive in Jamaica’s climate and can yield harvests across three growing seasons, maximizing productivity year-round. Our focus extends beyond fresh produce to value-added goods like peanuts, sea salt, coconut oil, raw honey, cane sugar, and dehydrated fruits—products that not only sustain but also empower members to engage directly with their food. By visiting the homestead, they can participate in processing these staples, whether pressing coconut oil, evaporating sea salt, or drying mangoes, transforming raw ingredients into lasting nourishment while deepening their connection to the land and its rhythms.
In today’s world, social and economic challenges—such as technological shifts, the rise of online shopping, and the prevalence of counterfeit products—make it difficult for people to source authentic herbs and remedies without the risk of being scammed. BaKaBean Farm addresses this issue by growing as much as possible on-site while also sourcing the highest-quality, trusted products from other reputable growers across the island. This ensures that members receive genuine, effective remedies without compromise.
Beyond just providing food and herbs, BaKaBean is about cultivating genetic memory—reconnecting people with the land through hands-on, soul-nourishing experiences. Members will have the opportunity to engage in activities like catching fish in the river, tending to bees for raw honey, harvesting ocean water to make bamboo salt, building eco-shelters, or processing coconuts into oil. These experiences transform consumers into producers, deepening their relationship with nature and fostering self-sufficiency. The true “fruit” of membership lies not just in the harvest but in the wisdom, skills, and connection gained through these practices.
Staples & Cash Crops
Callaloo (Amaranth)
Seasons: 3 (plant every 4-6 weeks).
Uses: Leafy green for markets/restaurants.
Sweet Potato
Seasons: 2-3 (vines regrow after harvest).
Varieties: Jamaican Yellow, White Yam Sweet Potato.
Cassava
Seasons: 2 (9–12 months, but staggered planting).
Bonus: Drought-resistant.
Pigeon Peas (Gungo Peas)
Seasons: 2 (6–8 months per crop).
Uses: Protein source + soil nitrogen fixer.
2. Fruits
Papaya
Seasons: 3 (continuous fruiting after 6 months).
Tip: Dwarf varieties for easier harvesting.
Banana/Plantain
Seasons: 2-3 (suckers regrow after main harvest).
Varieties: Cavendish, Bluggoe.
Pineapple
Seasons: 2 (18–24 months, but rotation crops).
watermelon Seasons: 2-3 annual harvests (60–85 days per crop, depending on variety)
3. Vegetables
Tomatoes (Jamaican Varieties)
Seasons: 3 (staggered planting).
Tip: Use trellises for higher yield.
Scotch Bonnet Peppers
Seasons: 3 (year-round in warm climates).
Market: High demand locally/globally.
Cucumber
Seasons: 3 (6–8 weeks per crop).
4. Herbs & Medicinals
Cerasee (Bitter Melon)
Seasons: 3 (fast-growing vine).
Uses: Tea, diabetes management.
Ginger
Seasons: 2 (8–10 months, but partial harvests possible).
Lemongrass
Seasons: 3 (cut-and-come-again).
Yam (Dioscorea spp.)Harvest: 8–12 months
Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum)
Harvest: 12–18 months (ratoon crops for 3–5
5. Fast-Growing Jamaican Trees (≤3 Years to Harvest)
(Prioritizing yield, market value, and ecosystem benefits)
