Campaign Story

Hi! I am John Bodden of Bodden Family Farm (Organic Growers) from the beautiful district of East End, Cayman Islands. I have been in the Agricultural business since 2015 and have over 1 acre of land devoted to Organic Farming of a large variety of Hot, Sweet and Season Peppers amongst other items like Pineapples, Plantains, Bananas, Corn, Melons, Sweet & Sour Soups, Carrots, Beets, Okra, Scallion, Celery, Cabbage, Mangoes, Cucumbers, Pumpkins, Tomatoes, Breadfruit, Ackee, Aloe Vera, Moringa, Guineps, Lemons, Cassava, Sweet Potatoes, Callaloo, Guava, Papaya, Lychee, Turmeric, Ginger, Onions, Coconuts and the list goes on. I am a Network Security Analyst by profession and came about farming because my family just loves their fruits and vegetables. The trips to the supermarket used to be fun to see all the different crops on display and I wondered just how much of these items can be grown here in Cayman and why is our Agriculture Department not encouraging more and more property owners to develop small sections of land for a sustainable living. Over time during my transition, I had first hand experience with insects that loves to eat crops, hurricanes and rainy seasons and what is good and not so good things that can happen to your crop production during these periods. Many crops was destroyed and in order to not cut a great lost we decided to donate portions of our crops to the those in the community that are in need. Hurricane Grace came in August 2021 which destroyed many of our crops and most had to start over. I am a dedicated farmer whom believes in food sustainability for our community and little Island. This has since been the focus of our Family Farm ever since as it gives us ways to look forward to growing more and trying other crops. Organic certification cost vary and are often on a sliding scale, based on the size of the operation. Growing Organically gives a sense of pride knowing what you are consuming in your body and feeding our families are safe and enjoyable. Our farm is in need of the following items and can really use the help of the community and private supports and in return we have several rewards for those that contribute/donate to the farm which is will be very rewarding to you and your family.

• Fencing Materials needed to cover 325.5′ X 143′  (110 Post 4.0″ x 4.0″ x 6ft in length) and Woven Wire 5ft x 940ft
• Additional Soil ( Soil health is very important 1ft soil depth to spread over 43,652 Sq. Ft.)
• Building Materials for Composting (6 bays)

Eight 12-foot lengths of pressure-treated 2 x 4 lumber Four 10-foot lengths of pressure-treated 2 x 4 lumber Two 10-foot length of construction-grade 2 x 4 lumber Two 16-foot length of 2 x 6 lumber Twelve 8-foot lengths of 1 x 6 lumber A 22-foot length of 36-inch-wide 1/2-inch hardware cloth 16d galvanized nails (4 pounds) Poultry wire staples (500) Twenty-Four 1/2-inch carriage bolts, 4 inches long, with washers and nuts One quart wood preservative or stain

• Additional Irrigation hoses and fittings, outdoor controller
• 3 person Farm Help  (6 months to 1 year)
• 3 Rolls Silage Tarping (100′ X 200′)
• Compost collection or Cow/Horse manure and Grass Clippings (that have not been treated with herbicides or other chemicals)
• Equipment ( Wheelbarrow, Hoe, Pick Axe, Tractor and ATV, Shovel, Garden Hose, Water Tank, Solar panel system, post hole digger)