Growing Futures: How Anguilla’s Students are Cultivating Change with Flex Farms
In a bustling classroom in Anguilla, a group of eager students huddle around a futuristic farming system, marveling at the fresh leafy greens and herbs they’ve nurtured from tiny seeds. What began as a school project has blossomed into a powerful lesson in sustainability, self-reliance, and community care.
For the PRU Agriculture Class and other schools involved in the Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator’s (CCSA) Climate Smart Agriculture pilot project, these indoor mobile hydroponic Flex Farm units supplied by Fork Farms have become more than just tools for growing food—they’re growing skills, hope, and a new vision for agriculture in Anguilla.
From Classroom to Community
The program has proven its worth not only in lessons learned but in tangible outcomes. During the last growing cycle, students sold their fresh leafy greens and herbs, earning XCD $130.00 (USD $84.00). The money is a testament to their hard work, but the impact doesn’t end there.
What wasn’t sold found new purpose in the school feeding program, where fresh produce was transformed into nourishing meals like burgers at the primary school and calming teas for snack time. At home, students got creative with their share of the harvest, making dishes like Caesar salads and encouraging their families to experiment with farm-fresh recipes. The juvenile centers also benefited, using the produce to prepare wholesome meals. “The kids are so proud when they see their efforts on their plates,” shared one teacher. “It’s not just food; it’s a sense of accomplishment.”
A Glimpse of the Future
Anguilla’s reliance on imported food is no secret, particularly for leafy greens and herbs. While local produce is available, it’s not enough to meet demand. The Flex Farm hydroponic system are helping to bridge the gap with the importation of leafy greens, changing that narrative by demonstrating how agriculture technology can make fresh foods accessible year-round and grow these foods efficiently and sustainably, even in places with persistent climate challenges.
The compact Flex Farm systems yield up to 288 plants or 25 pounds of fresh food in one 28-day cycle, the equivalent of what would require 70-72 square feet of traditional cropland. It’s an inspiring example of what’s possible in a region striving for food security and sustainability.
Lessons in Resilience
The journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Some seedlings, like arugula, struggled to thrive initially, but students quickly learned to adapt, replanting lettuce in its place. Their resilience mirrors the crops they tend, growing stronger with each cycle.
The system’s durability has impressed everyone involved. Minor issues, like hose leaks, were easily fixed, and the quality of water in Anguilla in relation to the size of the Flex Farm was adequate for optimum growth with minimum alterations.
Empowering the Next Generation
The project isn’t just about growing food—it’s about growing people. Over 75 children under the age of 15 and 13 youth aged 15-24 have been actively involved, participating in workshops and classroom activities that spark curiosity and teach practical skills. By integrating hands-on experimentation, interdisciplinary learning, and technology, hydroponics fosters students’ engagement in STEM while building critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
One memorable workshop included testing the pH of everyday liquids, from Coca-Cola to aquaponics water. Students discovered how these lessons applied directly to their Flex Farm units, bridging the gap between theory and practice and encouraging students to analyze issues and develop solutions—essential skills for lifelong learning. Girls, in particular, have found inspiration in the program, with 29 females helping to maintain the units and two expressing interest in pursuing agriculture further.
“I didn’t think farming could be this fun,” one student admitted, “but now I’m excited to grow my own food.”
Seeds of Collaboration
The program has also caught the attention of private sector actors. A local hydroponic lettuce farm Green Cusine, owned by Noureddine Saloune donated seedlings, while a teacher from Blake’s Academy and a photographer expressed interest in acquiring their own Flex Farm systems.
This collaboration between education, agriculture, and private industry hints at a sustainable future where communities can feed themselves and inspire others to do the same.
What’s happening in these classrooms is more than a school project—it’s a movement. With every seed planted and every crop harvested, these students are challenging the status quo and showing that sustainable agriculture is not just possible but essential for Anguilla’s future.
As one teacher put it, “We’re not just growing food; we’re growing futures.”
