“Many hands make hard work easier” – that’s the sentiment echoed by Philip Smith, Executive Chairman of the Agricultural Development Organization (ADO) as the reimagined Pinewood Community Garden takes shape.

Born out of a partnership between the ADO and the Sandals Foundation, an injection of some US $69,000 from the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts will see to the strengthening and scaling of the Pinewood Gardens Community Farm as a national demonstration site for regenerative agriculture and low-cost organic input production.

The move positions the space a practical, replicable model to tackle food security across The Bahamas.

Recently, the community farm welcomed a donation of food and ornamental plants from Rocky Farms Nursery enhancing the diversity of the space. The collection included yellow elder, hibiscus, banana, coconut as well as fertilizer.

“We thank Rocky Farm Nursery for this donation. It helps those at the farm understand how to grow different food plants and learn how to feed themselves with healthy food grown right here in The Bahamas.”

For his part, Rocky Farms Nursery manager Bruce Pinder saluted the work of ADO, saying, “They’re doing it to better the community, that’s the most important thing. It is fruit trees and other plants, and it is good for the community. I’m glad to help.”

Pinewood Community Garden is one of five community farms created by ADO since its launch just over five years ago. ADO has also assisted with the creation or enhancement of farms at 34 schools across The Bahamas and has packaged and distributed more than 3,400 backyard farming kits.

Through a partnership with Ridge to Reefs (RTR) and the investment of the Sandals Foundation, the team will implement a suite of interventions that reduce farming input costs, promote sustainable land use, and equip underserved groups with the tools and skills to grow food and earn income through small-scale agriculture.

“It is because of the donors who support our projects that we are able to open these farms in the heart of communities,” said ADO Executive Chairman Philip Smith. “The Sandals Foundation helped us to start the garden – we could not have done it without their support and their constant encouragement. Now the team at Rocky Farms Nursery is helping to broaden the range of plants for the community.”

Endorsed by the Ministry of Agriculture, at the core of the Pinewood Community Garden project is the establishment of a fish hydrolysate fertilizer production system, converting local fish waste into a nutrient-rich, environmentally friendly fertilizer that improves soil health and crop yields. A companion biopesticide component and seedling propagation hub will support affordable, organic solutions for home gardeners, schools, and smallholder farmers.

Demonstration areas will showcase low-cost farming tools and regenerative techniques suited to Caribbean conditions—including composting, insect exclusion, and solar-powered irrigation systems will be implemented. The farm will also host educational workshops, school visits, and volunteer programs that promote environmental literacy and community ownership.

“Sandals is proud to partner with both ADO and the Pinewood Gardens community,” said Snovakia Watson, Public Relations Manager at Sandals Royal Bahamian. “This is the kind of project that builds a stronger, healthier population and a more self-sufficient country. We all experienced what depending on imported goods meant when we went through the 2020 pandemic. We have the means to grow far more of our own and this is a wonderful example of how Sandals can lend a hand to make positive things happen in real time.”

ADO hopes to open a community farm in all 41 constituencies in The Bahamas, with 70 percent of produce grown donated to the community, and the remaining 30 percent to be sold to restaurants.

“This makes our food network more sustainable – and helps people to eat locally grown food, which is healthier,”says Smith.