Everything You Need to Know About FFG’s Farmers Partnership Program
Food Farm Gardens is a community-driven agricultural initiative in Sint Maarten that connects local farmers with consumers through our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, community gardens, and The Keys Market. We’re building a sustainable food system that supports local growers while providing fresh, healthy produce to our community.
We welcome farmers who share our commitment to sustainable, organic practices. To get started, contact us through our website or visit us at Plantation Succour. We’ll discuss your growing experience, available land, crop interests, and how we can work together. There’s no cost to join our farmer network.
We work with farmers at all levels—from experienced commercial growers to passionate beginners. If you’re new to farming, we offer training, mentorship, and access to our educational programs through HAICI School for Agriculture. What matters most is your commitment to sustainable practices and quality production.
It depends on how you want to work with FFG. We offer three pathways:
Contact us to discuss which pathway best fits your situation, skills, and goals.
Yes. FFG BV offers freelance and employment opportunities for agricultural professionals who want to work directly on our farms without managing their own land. These roles may include:
Freelancers and employees work on FFG-managed land and do not need their own property. Compensation is determined by role, experience, and project scope. If you have agricultural skills and want to contribute without land ownership, contact us with your professional profile and areas of expertise.
Farmers receive between XCG 16,20 / $9 – XCG 25,20/ $14 per CSA box delivered. This payment structure ensures competitive income while maintaining affordability for our community members. FFG retains a 65% margin to cover operations, logistics, marketing, and program development.
Payment schedules are established based on delivery frequency and volume. We work with each farmer to create a payment arrangement that works for both parties. Payments are made via bank transfer or agreed-upon method after successful delivery and quality verification.
Eco Shares are primarily allocated to CSA customers as part of our crowd profit-sharing program. However, farmers can also privately purchase or invest in Eco Shares if they wish to participate in FFG’s long-term growth and profit-sharing model. Beyond Eco Shares, farmers benefit from stable income, guaranteed market access, training opportunities, and being part of a growing sustainable food network that’s building long-term community resilience.
No. There are no membership fees, registration costs, or hidden charges to join our farmer network. We believe in zero-entry barriers. Our revenue comes from CSA subscriptions and market sales, not from charging farmers.
We need a diverse range of fresh produce including vegetables, fruits, herbs, and leafy greens that thrive in our Caribbean climate. Priority crops include tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, cucumbers, beans, root vegetables, tropical fruits, and herbs. We’ll work with you to identify crops that match your skills, land, and market demand.
Yes. FFG is committed to organic and sustainable farming practices. We follow voluntary CARICOM GAP standards and avoid synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. We provide training on organic pest management, composting, soil health, and natural growing methods. Our goal is healthy food and healthy land.
We can help you transition. Moving from conventional to organic farming takes time and support. We offer educational resources, mentorship from experienced organic growers, and access to organic inputs like compost. We’ll create a transition plan that works for your farm.
The 3,000 m² greenhouse is part of our infrastructure development plan. Once operational, we’ll establish usage agreements for qualified farmers. Priority will be given to farmers growing high-value crops for CSA boxes and those participating in our training programs.
We’re developing rainwater harvesting systems with significant storage capacity. Farmers who choose the Farmers Partnership programs—CSA and Cooperative—and are working on FFG sites will have access to this water infrastructure. We also provide training on water-efficient irrigation methods including drip systems and mulching techniques.
We expect fresh, clean, properly harvested produce that meets food safety standards. Produce should be free from damage, disease, and excessive blemishes. We follow HACCP principles and voluntary CARICOM GAP standards. Each delivery is inspected for quality before distribution to customers.
Quality is essential for customer satisfaction and food safety. If produce doesn’t meet our standards, we’ll work with you to identify the issue and prevent it in the future. Rejected produce won’t be paid for, but we’ll provide feedback and support to help you improve. Consistent quality issues may affect future orders.
Absolutely. We offer workshops on post-harvest handling, proper harvesting techniques, food safety, storage, and quality control. Our HAICI School for Agriculture includes modules on quality standards and best practices. We want every farmer to succeed.
We’re implementing blockchain-based supply chain tracking for transparency and food safety. Each farmer’s produce is tracked from farm to customer. This protects both farmers and consumers, builds trust, and allows us to quickly address any issues.
Community Gardens: ffga-csa@marlinyard.org
WhatsApp: +31 850041137
Office: Vicky’s Keys Volunteer Center i/c FFG BV, Plantation Succour, The Keys road 2-8, lane 3, Upper Prince’s Quarter, Sint Maarten
Support available:
Monthly member surveys, direct communication with farmers, community forums for suggestions, annual member meetings for program improvements.