New Farmer at Edwards Farm in Orient
June 18, 2024
The Peconic Land Trust is pleased to welcome Bishudat Jaikaran – Jai – to the five-acre Edwards Farm in Orient. Originally from Guyana, Jai and his wife Sandra have lived in New York for 20 years, raising two children, owning restaurants and being part of their Richmond Hill community in Queens. Jai has always wanted to farm, something he did from the earliest age back in Guyana. “Jai has a real passion for growing and we are so pleased to welcome him to the Edwards Farm this season,” said Dan Heston, Director of Agricultural Programs at the Peconic Land Trust.Prior to joining the Trust’s farming program, Jai farmed both in western Suffolk County and southern New Jersey. This month, starter plants that Jai has cultivated in a greenhouse were transplanted into the fields at Edwards Farm. With a focus on peppers and long beans, Jai and Sandra will also be growing complementary vegetables and fruits, including spinach, bok choy, okra, squash, pumpkins, and watermelons, that will be sold in markets in Queens. He also hopes to provide produce to local food pantries as the season progresses. “You have to love what you do, know what you will do with it, and grow what the people will want to buy. I’m so happy to have met Dan and to find this beautiful place to grow food and look forward to the opportunity,” said Jai.Come and say hi to Jai when you see him out working in the fields.To learn more about the Farms for the Future Initiative, please contact Dan Heston, Director of Agricultural Programs at DHeston@PeconicLandTrust.org.