My name is Joe Elliott, and I am a young farmer that lives in a small town called Hudson, about 45 minutes west of the island of Montreal, Quebec.
I attended French school for all of elementary and secondary school and thus have the privilege of being able to communicate in two languages. This is a great asset to have as I am in the process of learning Haitian Creole.
After high school, I went to Vanier College, in Montreal, where I studied for three years receiving a trade’s degree in Environmental and Wildlife Management. Looking for a change of scenery, I found an internship studying the habits of two species of endemic monkeys in the cloud forest in Northern Peru.
After my adventures in Peru, I decided to return to school in the hope to further my knowledge about environmental issues as well as community development. Acadia University was my home for 2 years as I studied in both Environmental and Sustainability Studies as well as in Biology. It was during these two years at university that I really started to develop an interest in organic farming and community development.
Since graduation I have been trying to find a path in life that suits me best. I have an interest in farming, the environment, social and gender issues as well as community development. To date this search for a life path has resulted in having managed a farm of my own for a season as well as taking 15 months to travel and work on numerous farms worldwide.
I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to be in Haiti for 6 months working in a field that encompasses all of my passions. I am really looking forward to learning and being apart of the day-to-day life in Haiti especially as it relates to agricultural practices, culture and food. I am hoping that my skills relating to community development, project management and organic farming will aid in the sustainable development of the communities of Terrier Rouge and Grand Bassin.
My hope is to use the knowledge and skills acquired during my internship to further my personal goals of starting up a farm that provides a year round whole diet CSA program and educational experiences to friends, family and community members.