From teaching to tilling, from pedagogy to paddy fields. This is the story of Emily Nimes, a former high school English teacher at the Department of Education in Carrascal, Surigao del Sur who decided to leave her profession to focus on agriculture full-time.

Her journey in farming began during the challenging times of the pandemic when lockdowns disrupted daily life. At first, farming was just a stress reliever until she realized this could be her true life-long calling.

Emily already had a rice field, so she decided to make rice her primary commodity. She was committed to producing high-quality, chemical-free rice for her family. Recognizing that most rice in the market contained chemicals, even if it was locally produced, she aimed to create a safe and chemical-free rice source. Her surplus produce allowed her to earn additional income by selling it to others.

“Most of the rice sold in the market is from other countries and we know it is full of chemicals. Even if the rice is produced locally, I know that some are reliant on chemical sprays. So, I decided to have my own rice farm. Through this, I can have my own rice and safe produce for my family. I can also sell my extra produce to my neighbors and earn money in return.”

Emily manages a one-hectare rice field planted with NSIC RC 160 variety. To ensure the quality of her rice, she adopted various technologies, such as the PalayCheck System and soil analysis at the Department of Agriculture's Soils Laboratory. Through training, she learned the right methods for applying nutrients and managed to avoid chemical pesticides, ensuring safe and high-quality produce.

Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Program (RCEP)

As a recipient of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Program (RCEP), Emily benefitted greatly from this initiative designed to improve the competitiveness of rice farmers in the Philippines. With components focused on farm mechanization, inbred rice seed development, expanded credit assistance, and rice extension services, the program equipped her with new knowledge and technology. This support allowed her to enhance the quality of her rice production.

“As a farmer, it is a big advantage for me that I am under RCEP. I was able to learn new technologies and unlearn the traditional ways of rice farming. As a result, I was able to produce good-quality rice.”

The Emily Integrated Farm

At Emily Integrated Farm, Emily has established a diverse array of agricultural ventures, including hydroponic lettuce, free-range native chickens, vegetable cultivation, a Tilapia Pond, and swine raising using advanced Korean technology. She also processes her produce into value-added products, such as veggie rolls, spring rolls, and Kalabasa chips. Furthermore, she is also into wine-making where she uses either jackfruit or banana as her primary ingredients.

Back to Teaching

In addition to her farming endeavors, Emily's teaching background led her to become a Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) cooperator and a Magsasaka Siyentista (farmer-scientist) of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI). She received substantial support, including a water pump for her rice field, assistance in building a training hall, and essential equipment like a laptop, projector, and speakers. She has also been approved as a Farm School by TESDA and will conduct five batches of rice production training in the coming months.

The Emily Integrated Farm is also a Farmers' Information and Technology Services (FITS) Kiosk where farmers can have access to technology-based resources. As a hub for disseminating knowledge, it only proves Emily’s commitment to education and sharing best practices within her farming community. She welcomes farmers to her farm, sharing knowledge and resources, and actively participates in farmers' associations and cooperatives.

“I am a teacher by profession and I could still practice this by sharing the knowledge that I have and at the same time continue my passion for farming. It is like hitting two birds with one stone.”

Challenges and Future Goals

While Emily saw an increase in production in the first year under the RCEP, Typhoon Odette adversely affected her rice fields in the second year. Nevertheless, Emily remains determined to fully mechanize her rice farming and demonstrate the benefits of such mechanization to other farmers. Her goals include expanding her rice and vegetable areas, ultimately contributing to a healthy and prosperous community in Carrascal.

Words of Advice

Emily encourages aspiring farmers to embrace resilience, faith, patience, and adaptability. Farming can be a gamble, but diversification and integrated farming can mitigate risks and lead to both financial success and a fulfilling, sustainable agricultural lifestyle. “Don’t put all your resources in one basket only,” she says. “Try to diversify and practice integrated farming.”

Emily's journey from being a high school teacher to a successful farmer, trainer, and agricultural innovator is a testament to the possibilities in agriculture even during challenging times.