An Unique Supervised Agricultural Experience
Vega’s Fresh Garden, a natural organic fertilizer, is a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers.
At 15 years old, Geriel A. Vega Ramos from the Timoteo Delgado FFA Chapter started his amazing journey as a Puerto Rico FFA member. He found his passion and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) in vermicomposting.
“Through this process, I produce worm leachate, a natural organic fertilizer that I use and sell as a more sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers,” he says. “We sell it in 12-ounce bottles already diluted, as well as in diluted gallon containers, ready to use. In addition, we have an Instagram and Facebook page, and the product is also available on Facebook Marketplace. This project has allowed me to learn about sustainable agriculture, business development and product promotion, creating an agricultural micro-enterprise.”
To know a little bit of him and his SAE, here are some of questions and answers!
Q: What motivated you to be in FFA?
A: “The person who motivated me to be in FFA was my advisor, Nathalia Medina, who, at that time, was my agriculture teacher. At first, I was not as interested as I am now, but she told me it would be a fun experience. As I began to participate in the activities and competitions, I started to like FFA more and more, until it became one of the things I am most passionate about today.”
Geriel and his advisor, Nathalia Medina.
Q: Have you found a passion in FFA? If so, what is it?
A: “Yes, I have found a passion for sustainable agriculture and vermicomposting, since it allows me to produce in an environmentally responsible way. In addition, thanks to FFA, I also discovered my passion for public speaking because it has helped me express myself better, gain confidence and share messages that can inspire other young people.”
Q: Did you think your PEAS could become a reality?
A: “At first, I saw it as a challenge, but with the support of my family and through what I have researched and studied about the topic, I realized that it was possible to make it a reality and turn it into a functional project.”
Q: Was this always your SAE idea, or did you have another one in mind?
A: “At first, I was not sure which SAE I wanted to develop. I started with a garden at my house, documenting everything I planted and harvested. Then I discovered vermicomposting and became passionate about the topic, so I decided to buy a worm composting system and start using it. At that time, my SAE was still focused on the garden, with the idea of selling cherry tomatoes and cilantro. However, as I researched more about vermicomposting, I discovered that I could produce worm leachate, which seemed like a different idea and an excellent opportunity to create a micro-enterprise.”
Q: How do you think your SAE can promote agriculture in your state’s association?
A: “I believe that my SAE can promote agriculture because it helps others become interested in sustainable agriculture and the use of organic fertilizers, and it motivates more young people to get involved and dare to create their own projects.”
