Carmelita Cabradilla Abnasan, once a dedicated midwife from 2009 to 2021, now continues on a journey in farming since 2014, making it her primary focus after retirement from being a midwife. Alongside her husband Dominador, they proudly named their farm Cardom’s Fruit Farm – located in Adams, Ilocos Norte. The farm focuses on wine-making and fruit trees planting. The farm also emphasizes their devotion to natural farming leading to organic agriculture. In fact, they are actively participating in seminars like Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) and preparing for provincial and regional assessments.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) played an essential role for the wine-making operations of the farm expanding the market potentials of their wine products. Moreover, with the farm’s Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) certification in the year 2022, Carmelita has undergone trainings with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), paving the way for organic farming approval. At present, the farm has expanded its operations on integrated farming and started exploring on planting pakbet vegetables, as well as strawberry farm, and growing different fruit trees.
Setbacks to Comebacks
The Cardom’s Fruit Farm is not exempted to the setbacks caused by typhoons, considering its location in the upper north. One of the challenges is restricting guest visits, especially during rainy days when the farm-to-market road becomes difficult to pass. The farm also relies on solar power alone, as electricity does not reach the farm as of the moment.
Despite challenges, including natural phenomenon and reduced government support, Carmelita's determination to improve the farm and serve the community remains steadfast. The increasing number of visitors, and giving livelihood to the community, community development fuels her passion. As LSA and its continuous commitment in extending partnerships, ATI also granted the farm a hydroponics and greenhouse project that can enhance productivity, sustainability, and profitability while mitigating some of the challenges associated with traditional farming methods.
Aiming for More, Doing More
Currently, Cardom’s Farm boasts nearly 30 wine flavors, including unique varieties like miracle fruit, malubeg, dragon fruit, bugnay, duhat, turmeric, and ginger. Moreover, the collaborations with agencies like ATI and local schools hosting immersion programs have been instrumental in both learning and teaching about farming practices.
As the farm continues to expand its operations, integrated farming is being improved. With fruit trees, vegetable gardening, technology projects, the farm has also immersed to the planting of herbal plants and production of vermicast. The farm has engaged more visitors with Carmelita and Dominador’s determination to do more and aim for more.
The farm expanded its function hall in the conduct of trainings and seminars. Visitors outside the locality are charged an entrance fee for coffee and a tour to the farm’s area. Moreover, visitors from Adams are free of charge in entering the farm, witnessing the farm technologies to realize the dream themselves.
The farm also serves food, featuring their Cardom’s Salad, which visitors “cannot-resist.”
Carmelita's vision extends beyond her farm's success to promoting sustainability and collaboration within the farming community. Her dedication to avoiding harmful chemicals and promoting overall health through organic farming sets an inspiring example not just for fellow farmers in Ilocos Norte but for the entire farming community.
As Cardom’s Farm continues to grow, offering technology, educational, and agricultural experiences, Carmelita envisions a future where farming practices prioritize health and well-being for all.
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