Seagate is currently farming in the area of Ojos Negros in northern Baja California. We have been somewhat restricted due to the ongoing drought that has caused many wells to run dry. In addition, we try locate our operations in remote areas, away from other farms so as not to risk contamination from operators using pesticides, fungicides, herbicides and other chemicals. The reason we call this our “second try” this season is because the local rabbits consumed the last planting in July.
We are trying to replenish our Roma tomato supply for our Lycopene production. The first planting in July (Sometimes farming has its issues) was destroyed by heat and rabbits. However, this is all part of the work in operating in remote dry regions. As you can see in the photos above and below, this latest crop is being protected with screening, along with our normal drip irrigation lines plus one very smart dog.
Roma tomatoes’ screened protection from rabbits
Sometimes we go to extreme measures to protect the plants from animals:
Seagate has been growing tomatoes and converting them into lycopene for almost 20 years. You can see pictures of the farm and the factory operation creating the lycopene in some of our previous articles published on this blog:
Seagate’s New Tomato Crop – Part 2
Converting tomatoes into Lycopene
When all else fails, and the rabbits break through the barriers, we sometimes use canine assistance:
It is not a easy thing to maintain a chemical-free finished product – Lycopene-15 – and deal with all the variables that are trying to destroy the crops – insects, fungus, animals, water shortages, and temperatures reaching 120F. However, the end product is worth the effort.
When not dealing with rabbits and high temps., it is nice to get away and visit the beautiful corals along the Cayman Islands. While on these dives, it makes you also wonder how many more years these reefs can remain healthy and the islands still be above sea level. Also, how many more years will I be able to continue to dive. This year marks 48 years diving. A bit beyond prime time, but not yet ready to hang it up.
