An innovative initiatives in the Caribbean is grabbing attention as environmental entrepreneur Joshua Forte rolls out his ambitious Journey to 1,000 Acres program. This grand initiative is set to transform 1,000 acres of land into regenerative organic farms, a significant step toward addressing food security, promoting sustainable agriculture, and rejuvenating soil health on the beautiful island of Barbados.
Launched at Pelican Village in Bridgetown, the program blends modern science, environmental sustainability, and community empowerment to bolster the island’s food self-sufficiency. Forte, the visionary founder and CEO of Red Diamond Compost Inc., referred to this project as a personal mission born out of his health struggles and his dedication over the last decade to advocacy for cleaner farming practices.
“This initiative is incredibly close to my heart,” Forte expressed passionately during the launch. “We’re aiming to convert land in Barbados that is currently underused or employing conventional practices into thriving regenerative organic agriculture.”
Thanks to support from the Barbados Environmental Conservation Trust (BECT), this incredible program is being offered free to participants. Early interest has been substantial, with 36 farmers already signed up, and others from Antigua, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Cameroon, and even the United Kingdom keen to partake in virtual training components before registration closes next week.
Integral to the Journey to 1,000 Acres are three core learning components. It includes an online Living Soils Mastery course focusing on soil biology and regenerative practices, a business module termed “From Seed to Sales” designed to enhance farm management and profitability, and a hands-on Farm Sprint Workshop lasting three days, covering everything from composting to marketing techniques.
Forte’s company plays a pivotal role in the program by transforming invasive Sargassum seaweed into bio-fertilizers. He is confident that many local farmers can achieve greater productivity by harnessing their land’s potential. “With quality education and the right tools,” he said, “they can enhance yields, lower input costs, and ultimately support national food sovereignty.”
Acknowledging the myriad of challenges faced, Forte believes collective action is essential to achieve the goal of food security. “We can all contribute; it’s about collaboration and mutual responsibility,” he emphasized.
Participants aren’t just receiving knowledge; they will also receive a starter package featuring Red Diamond’s flagship products—Supreme C BioStimulant and Liquid Sunshine Plant Food—with ongoing support throughout and after the program to ensure success.
Ché Greenidge, Executive Director of BECT, remarked on the initiative, stating, “It perfectly aligns with our mission to promote sustainable food systems, and we’re thrilled to partner in such a vital project.”
Each participant’s experience will also be shared through a digital series called Community Corners, which will document their stories and progress as they implement what they’ve learned in the field, enhancing transparency and engagement within the wider community.
Forte concluded with an empowering note, stating, “Education is just the beginning; ongoing support is what will ensure the success of our participants. Their success is a reflection of our mission.”
Tags: #Barbados #Sustainability #Environment #FoodSecurity #Politics
