Choza Farm
The Choza Farm exists to support individuals in residence, and share a healthy model of organic, sustainable agriculture with the broader community.
Though the Choza is located in the mountains where the natural landscape should be heavily forested, much of the local area was cleared for cattle. This left the ground exposed to weather, causing nutrients to be steadily drained from the soil and leaving the hilly landscape prone to landslides.
One of the long term programs at the Choza aims to re-forest the majority of the land with indigenous plants and trees, and to demonstrate a model of farming which can successfully marry the natural ecology with productive and profitable farming practices.
The first stage of this program is establishing a thriving organic farm, with diverse produce, which sustains the inhabitants of the Choza, and works to return nutrients and stability back into the local soils. Once established, this farm will offer a model and educational site for both the residents and the local community. In addition, it will continue to provide a test bed for new permaculture practices.
Foods, medicinal plants and nutrient enriching plants are farmed at the Choza.
Choza Land Manager
The Choza’s full time land Manager, Solyn Garcia-Sanchez, has been employed since 2009. He loves to work with and improve the land and is responsible for the farm, trails and restoration of the Choza property. Solyn lives locally with his family in Concepcion.
Produce
The Choza produces a variety of foods and medicinal plants including:
- Mangoes, Cocao
- Pineapple, Papaya, Citrus , Banana, Plantain
- Tomatoes, cucumber, peppers
- Squash, Sweet potato
- A variety of lettuces and herbs
- Ginger, Aloe, Pau d’Arco
The Choza Farm is also taking part in a project with VerdEnergia, in co-operation with Atlantis Energy, to demonstrate the benefits of farming with Jatropha and the possibilities for Bio-Fuel production with Jatropha oil, harvested from the fruits of this tree.
