Lettuce Grow: How Two Young Farmers Built a Thriving Hydroponics Business
At just 27 years old, Jeffrey Son and Joe Bagarinao are making waves in the agricultural sector as the proud owners of JEJO Farm, a thriving hydroponics farm located in Brgy. Marcos, Baybay City, Leyte. What began as a simple friendship has blossomed into a successful business partnership rooted in shared passion, education, and a commitment to innovation in farming.
Both Jeffrey and Joe are graduates of Visayas State University (VSU) with degrees in Agriculture. Their academic background, coupled with hands-on experience and a deep desire to create something meaningful, inspired them to build a farm that reflects both sustainability and modern farming practices.
JEJO Farm specializes in hydroponics farming, a soil-less method of growing plants that utilizes a nutrient-rich water solution to deliver essential minerals directly to the roots. This technique not only reduces the need for large land areas but also promotes efficient water use and faster plant growth, making it ideal for urban and rural settings alike.
Jeffrey recalls the farm’s humble beginnings. “Before, our area was very small, and our materials were limited. We only had a few PVC pipes with minimal holes, and we could only harvest around 200 cups of lettuce,” he said.
Everything changed when JEJO Farm became an incubatee of the VSU DA-BAR (Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agricultural Research) program that is funded by DA-ACEF. Through this initiative, they received vital support, including additional materials such as PVC pipes, submersible pumps, and other farming essentials. This support allowed them to expand their farm and increase production significantly.
“Nakatabang jud sa amon ang VSU DA-BAR, ilabina sa pag-extend sa among farm ug sa pagpadaghan sa among lettuce production,” Jeffrey shared.
“VSU DA-BAR really helped us, especially in expanding our farm and increasing our lettuce production.”
Thanks to the assistance and mentorship provided by VSU DA-BAR, JEJO Farm now harvests 600 to 700 cups of lettuce regularly, a significant leap from their early output.
Beyond growing crops, Jeffrey and Joe are passionate about sharing what they’ve learned. They actively encourage young people and aspiring farmers to explore hydroponics farming, even on a small scale.
“Start with the basics, do your research, and always be open to learning. Farming is a journey. Enjoy the process and never give up,” Jeffrey advised.
JEJO Farm stands as a testament to what young minds can achieve with the right combination of knowledge, determination, and support. As they continue to grow, Jeffrey and Joe remain committed to promoting sustainable agriculture and inspiring the next generation of Agri-preneurs in the Philippines.
