Join us for the "Farm to Table Summer Feast!"
Join us for the "Farm to Table Summer Feast!"
About Belau Native Farms: A Trolii Taro Patch
How It All Started:
In October 22,2023, I returned home to Trolii for my mother's coronation after living abroad for an extended period. To my dismay, I found the heritage taro patch in a state of neglect, overrun by jungle. In my youth, living amongst the elders in Trolii, taro was a staple food, and the taro patch was our lifeline. The memories of crowded houses filled with relatives preparing meals for the elders, with taro as the centerpiece, flooded back to me.
As the coronation kept rescheduling, I found myself staying in Palau for six months. My mother, recognizing the significance of our heritage and the importance of preserving it, asked me to stay back and assist her. With a deep sense of responsibility to honor her request, I pondered my role and purpose.
It was during a stroll along the stone path to the old village that inspiration struck me like a cold wind. In that moment, I envisioned a revitalized, vibrant taro patch.
Driven by a newfound sense of purpose, I embarked on the mission to revive, preserve, and protect the trodden taro patch. With the support of my cousin Melvin Basilius and Leonard "Korkas" Ruluked, we embarked on the arduous journey of clearing the overgrown land. Every day, we toiled tirelessly, fueled by the vision of breathing life back into the once-thriving taro patch.
Our efforts garnered the attention of Director Collin from the Bureau of Agriculture (BOA), who provided us with taro seedlings to kickstart our endeavor. Together, with unwavering determination and collaborative spirit, we embarked on the journey to reclaim our heritage and honor the legacy of our ancestors through the resurrection of the Trolii Taro Patch.
Stay tuned as Belau Native Farms continues to cultivate and preserve the rich cultural heritage of Palau through our commitment to sustainable agriculture and community stewardship.
Celebrating Community at Belau Native Farms!
At Belau Native Farms (BNF), we're more than just a taro patch – we're deeply rooted in our local community. With a commitment to sustainability, education, and collaboration, we're honored to play a role in supporting and uplifting our community in Palau.
Promoting Heritage Wetlands: We believe in the power of local agriculture to nourish our community and sustain our wetland. That's why we work closely with other farmers and producers to promote local agriculture and support small businesses. By sourcing locally and collaborating with fellow farmers, we're fostering a vibrant and resilient agricultural community.
Educational Outreach: Education is at the heart of what we do at BNF. We offer educational tours and workshops for schools and community groups to teach people about the importance of wetland farming and sustainable agriculture. Through hands-on learning experiences, we aim to inspire the next generation of farmers and environmental stewards.
Community Distribution: We're dedicated to ensuring that everyone in our community has access to fresh, nutritious food. That's why we distribute taro to local households and organizations that support our community. By partnering with community organizations, we're helping to address food insecurity and promote food sovereignty in Palau.
At BNF, community is at the core of everything we do. We're grateful for the support of our community and remain committed to serving and empowering our neighbors through agriculture, education, and collaboration. Together, we're cultivating a brighter, more sustainable future for all.
Join us on this journey!
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