Those who like the outdoors and helping others through volunteer work have the option of engaging in agritourism educational experiences in Siembra Tres Vidas, a self-sustained farm, located in the Municipality of Aibonito, Puerto Rico, and currently managed by Armonía, Inc. (a/k/a Armonía en la Montaña), a nonprofit organization. Based on our interview of Daniella Rodríguez Besosa, one of Siembra Tres Vidas’ farmers, below we share information about the farm’s volunteer program.

Locals and travelers may do their bit while learning about agricultural tasks in Siembra Tres Vidas, a farm known for its integrated farming design and management, and ecological farming practices. Diversified gardening, beneficial crop association, contour terracing for erosion control, and crop rotation technique are among the agroecological tactics carried out at Siembra Tres Vidas.

Subject to the farm’s necessities, volunteers may do works, such as nursery farm work, weed removal, planting of seeds, creation of compost made of ecological material, and harvest labor. While having direct contact with earth and agriculture, volunteers learn from farmers who aim for Siembra Tres Vidas to serve as a model for agroecological farm production and who are committed to share their knowledge about their techniques, and that may become a memorable experience.

Vegetables, fruit trees, wild plants, edible flowers, medicinal plants and herbs are among the farm’s crops. Carrots, tomatoes, Kale, arugula, beet, mesclun, yautia, taro, parsley, thai basil, cilantro, ginger, and edible flower plants, such as Garden Nasturtium (“Capuchina” in Spanish), are examples of agricultural products grown in Siembra Tres Vidas.

The duration of volunteer activities at the farm depends on the particular tasks and the volunteer’s interest. For example, people may invest their time and effort to learn and do works that may take two or five hours, or stay overnight at the farm house or nearby camping area. Farm stay is free of charge for those interested in performing volunteer work.

Helping Siembra Tres Vidas’ farmers may be rewarding as you get educated and contribute to agroecological food production, fostering environmental conservation and the creation of healthier food options. As Daniella accurately stated:

“We are nature, and we depend on nature's balance. From the air that fills our lungs to the food that fills our bellies.” (translation ours)

Individuals and groups interested in Siembra Tres Vidas’s volunteer program may contact Armonía en la Montaña through email (armoniaenlamontana@gmail.com). Besides the general public, school and corporate groups may find attractive to engage in this agritourism experience. A maximum of 20 volunteers per day are welcome at the farm.

Note: In 2018, Siembra Tres Vidas was relocated in a bigger piece of land comprised of around 5.8 acre (6 cuerdas). Currently, the crops are grown in a 1.9 acre-site.