Tiarra Stoutt receiving her award for Best Young farmer, at Agricultural Exhibitions in February, in celebration of Farmer’s Week 2008

Deeply inspired by both grandparents, 15 year-old Tiarra Stoutt holds the title of being the “Best Young Farmer” in the Virgin Island since 2005 and continues to increase cultivation of a wide variety of vegetables, spices and other food produce.

Why farming at this point in life when teenagers are often captivated by trendy lifestyles, well manicured hands and taking advantage of a more modernised society? The young farmer hesitated with a look of contentment.

“Farming is a form of enjoyment for me it also helps to relax and clears my head. It is in my blood, I used to help my grandparents to pick pigeon peas, water and weed. From there I developed a love for nature,” a seemingly shy Stoutt responded.

Stoutt balances her studies well with farming and is bent on balancing agriculture along with her chosen career throughout her lifetime.

The fifth former, who is also a member of the Drama and Flute junior Band at the Elmore Stoutt High School considers herself as a well rounded student and looks forward to be placed among the top names of graduates next year.

Stoutt said she is provided with seedlings from a supportive mother who not the least hesitant to assist her only child in tilling the soil. She said they are both happy to consume their own produce, as it promotes a healthier lifestyle, while helping to eliminate costs. Her freshly grown produce of tomatoes, sweet and hot peppers, okras, thyme, green onion, celery, parsley and sweet potatoes when harvested are sold within the Pockwood Pond community where she resides.

Despite her fear of frogs in her medium sized garden the teenaged farmer is urging other young people to get involved in farming as the prices of food continues to increase rapidly.

“The foods we import are not healthy, it is better to eat locally and know what you are eating. The more produce we have is better for our country, which also enables us to export,” she urged.

Stoutt, outside of her world of cultivating, is very fascinated by musical instruments which she displayed on the Steel Pan Orchestra at the St. Paul’s Anglican Church. The energetic teenager is also engaged in social activities within her community.

Keeping inclined with nature, Stoutt enjoys fishing and sailing.

“I like the feeling I get when I see my produce on the dinner table, its very encouraging for me to plant a seed and watch it grow. I also talk to my crops each time I attend to them and prayer is also a key to a solid cultivation,” she concluded with a broad smile.

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