iLBC Farmer Spotlight: Mother Becky Tea

Each week we feature a Caribbean farmer to remind us all how important our farmers are to the global community. This week, we ventured to St.Kitts & Nevis 🇰🇳 and had the privilege of interviewing Business Owners, Jermine Mike and Sara Ramírez from Mother Becky Tea.

Where’s your farm located?

Our farm is located in Pogson Village, St. Kitts and Nevis, but we also buy herbal tea leaves from local farmers.

How did you get started in the business/farming?

Our business is in providing local herbal teas, so it only made sense to grow some of our products. We got into the business of teas because it is indicative to our country and we wanted to see local, authentic products on the market and preserve the tradition of Bush Tea.

What do you specialize in cultivating?

We specialize in Mint, Basil, Lemongrass, and Soursop leaves.

How expensive is it to do what you do?

It is quite expensive because of lack of automation. Everything is handcrafted, handpicked, etc. Importation of certain packaging is also high based on the transportation fees to St. Kitts and Nevis and the high Customs taxes (51% of CIF).

How can people get in touch with you to support?

People can get in touch via our social media (IG and Facebook @motherbeckytea), emails (info@motherbeckytea.com or motherbeckys@gmail.com), website (www.motherbeckytea.com) and phone.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In five years, I see the company exporting large volumes of products to the Caribbean region, North America and UK.

Any words of wisdom to aspiring farmers/business owners?

Everything takes time. Also, not because you can build it, plant, make it, that it will sell. It takes effort, strategy and it seems money (in this day and age). Especially in our small economy.

MOTHER BECKY TEA - STEEPED IN TRADITION

Enjoyed this article and want more? Join the iLBC Movement. We’re all about promoting and connecting our Caribbean community! www.ilovebeingcaribbean.com/join-us

Team iLBC - K.Pope

kashaylailbc@gmail.com