Fleri Farm - Haiti

Fleri farm in Port-au-Prince, Haiti is one of the few areas of land unpopulated by shanties in the dense population of the nearby city Soleil. With a density of 31,000 people per square mile, there is a great need for intense food production that is also sustainable for long term benefit to the community. The land has large preexisting mango trees under which a polyculture of annual and perennial crops are grown. Each area has a specific function based on its condition and location.

• Individual fields are used for a rotating list of tropical crops for the community and for sale. 
  Each tree crop is surrounded by ecologically supportive plant species that also provide harvest

• crops. 
  A hoop greenhouse is used for starting young plants to be transplanted into the various fields as

• needed.

• A nursery grows out trees and shrubs for use on the property’s many food forests.
  A soccer field is installed in the north field across the street from a popular church and

• community centre. A small basketball court is also planned.
  Security fencing surrounds the perimeter.
  Lighting is placed along streets of outlying areas.
  Water storage towers have elevated observation platforms.
  Unplanted areas are used for managed grazing of local livestock.

Today Fleri farm is a thriving #polyculture farm.  Multiple crops of different sizes and types are interplanted.  Crop diversity makes more efficient use of sunlight and nutrients while minimizing the need for pesticides or fertilizer.  Polyculture offers higher potential yield versus mono-crop farming and is easy for community farmers to maintain with basic tools. The canopy includes 2500 #mango, plantain, coconut, papaya, and avocado trees, plus 500 recently planted citrus, #breadfruit, and cherry saplings.  Tall crops include okra, corn, beans, eggplant, sugar cane, yucca, and amaranth.  Shorter crops include onion, peppers, melon, carrot, and peanut.  Support crops including #vetiver, citronella, castor, and chaya help to retain soil, deter pests and build #mulch.

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The majority of the harvest belongs to the community farmers. Some are directly used by their families and neighbours, some are sold to local restaurants or markets, and some are purchased by Healing Haiti. Thus, the harvest directly impacts the food security of the neighbourhoods surrounding Fleri Farm.

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If inspired pls check out their options for sponsorships and donations at Healing Haiti.