Fame or money may be key to one’s happiness and wellness. But for Jhoanna Garcia, the zest and zing in life are neither in the badge nor in the wallet. It’s in her garden - among the aromatic herbs and spices that blanket her backyard.

Jhoanna, 49, is the proprietor and Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) cooperator of Jabez Farm located in Brgy. Nongnong, on the hilly side of Butuan City. She discovered her love for herbs and spices because of her fondness for cooking. Instead of buying spices in stores as food seasoning or garnishing, she thought that the more practical and economical way would be to patronize her own plants.

During her trips and meetings with fellow LSA cooperators, Jhoanna realized the importance of putting something on her farm that would make it distinct from the rest. This was the start of her herbs and spices venture.

Jhoanna and her farm

Since then, Jhoanna’s passion for organic agriculture became her edge over the other small farmers. Her ardor pushed her to take leadership roles in organizations such as the Butuan City Organic Producers and Processors Association where she is the Secretary and the Women of Organic Agriculture Association - Caraga Chapter where she holds the position of Vice Chairperson.

Spending time on the farm is a well-spent time for her. With only a few farm workers, she and her father were able to grow different fruit trees, vegetables, and herbs and spices garden, to name a few.

Before learning about the Agricultural Training Institute, Jhoanna used to teach JADAM, a low-cost farming principles and practices. She shares her knowledge about Natural Farming Technology System (NFTS) with farmers and missionaries in the Tribal Mission Foundation International, Inc.

As a follower of her father’s love of farming, she keeps on learning by attending various training programs in urban agriculture, processing, and pest management, among others.

Turning point: Healthier options

Growing herbs and spices, at first, was only a hobby for Jhoanna until she started appreciating its value and benefits. Health has also been one of the reasons why she decided to grow her own fresh, natural herbs and spices. At her age, Jhoanna has experienced different illnesses. But thanks to her herbs and medication, she was able to recover fast.

Among her herbs, roselle is her favorite. She thought of it when she attended the entrepreneurial development training at the Department of Agriculture - Regional Field Office 13. After thorough research and trials, she decided to process roselle into a flavored jam.

Empirical studies proved that roselle helps in controlling diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol, and many more. Aside from jam, she now produces bottled juice out of roselle extracts.

Jhoanna believes that venturing into herbs and spices is a lucrative business. Although these are available in supermarkets as seasonings, most cooks and moms still prefer the cheaper, fresher, and naturally grown for their culinary preparations.

Jabez Farm years from now

Jhoanna is motivated to work hard to attaining more milestones in her farming and business ventures. She also wants to be a source of inspiration and knowledge to her fellow farmers.

Years from now, she visualizes Jabez Farm as a premiere “farmacy” in Butuan City and a farm tourism site with an array of farming technologies that farmers can learn from. She also wants to expand her juice business by trying the roselle-guyabano combo and other flavored mixes.

As a way to encourage others, Jhoanna says to never give up on your dreams. While it is true that farming has its ups and downs, but to continue with passion and courage, all the hardships will be worthwhile in the end.