The seed for this initiative was the solution to an unexpected economic slowdown in everyday activity. It led to the creation of La Kosecha, a coffee shop and family agricultural enterprise that germinated at Barrio Celada in Gurabo, after the need to push forward and educate on the benefits of community hydroponic cultivation.
"In 2012, there was a significant decline in the construction business. So we had to look for an additional income for our home. Then a farmer here suggested we do hydroponics. I didn't know what that was, but I liked the explanation he gave us about that kind of harvest. So we went to take some courses about it at the University of Puerto Rico, Cayey Campus," explained Carmen Vicente-Torres, co-owner of the estate who, along with her husband Johnny Seda, were dedicated to their construction company until then.
"Until that time, I worked as an office worker at my husband's construction company," she added. After taking the courses and being interested in the subject, the couple started their project with a hydroponics table. They had a crop of lettuce and coriander that was not sold, and instead used for promotional purposes.
"At that time we sowed 100 plants. Then we started taking them to supermarkets, coffee shops and restaurants. They liked it and asked us for more to sale. And that's how we started what's known as Johnny's Hydroponic's Farm, which is where the hydroponics are," said Vicente-Torres.In her determination to get that extra money for the family, the business owner said she made the necessary arrangements and investments in what would henceforth be her main income.
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