Growing Food Security: Why the CTI Training Farm Matters More Than Ever

Food security is one of the biggest and most urgent challenges facing small island nations and family islands like Eleuthera. The Bahamas’ dependence on imported food increases vulnerability to supply chain disruptions, climate change, and rising food costs in the U.S. OEF is responding with action and cultivating hope!

At the CTI Training Farm and Oasis Grow House in Rock Sound, agriculture is being reinstated as both an economic bridge and a national priority.OEF is delivering hands-on training in sustainable agriculture to local farmers while supplying the vast majority of the island’s nutritious, affordable produce to local families, communities, restaurants, resorts, and food stores.

The impact of our work goes far beyond crops. We are investing in better health outcomes for our people through improved nutrition and inspiring confidence in young growers interested in agriculture as a viable profession.

For decades, agriculture has often been viewed as a declining sector in The Bahamas. Today, CTI is helping reposition farming as a modern, innovative, climate-resilient industry powered by technology, entrepreneurship, and free training in:

• Diverse hydroponic growing methods
• Soil regeneration strategies
• Syntropic farming techniques
• Crop diversification
• Climate-smart farming systems
• Efficient irrigation practices
• Basic composting
• Beekeeping & honey production

The Oasis Grow House has already demonstrated year-round production potential for crops like lettuce and cucumbers, which were previously difficult to sustain through Eeluthera’s hot summer conditions.

Meanwhile, the CTI Farm continues to serve as an experiential classroom supporting backyard growers, commercial farmers, students, and families interested in strengthening local food systems.

We are currently fundraising to install an additional Hydropool system to increase the island’s lettuce production, ensuring that fresh, nutritious salads remain on local menus.

Your Anniversary Gift helps expand training capacity, seedling distribution programs, and hydroponic infrastructure supporting local farmers and families. As global uncertainty continues to impact food supply chains, Eleuthera’s investment in agriculture is crucial.