Colusa Farms, Naples, FL
Project Snapshot:
Isabel is purchasing and installing a walk-in cooler for the farm. The new unit will allow the farm to store basil and lettuce out of the heat, and give it a longer shelf life for markets and sales. They are converting an old walk-in cooler area into a germination unit for their basil and lettuce crops.
Project Snapshot:
Bio: Isabel is a native of Colombia and grew up on a multi-generational farm, where she was exposed to organic agriculture methods and pressing environmental issues. She has a B.S. in Environmental Resource Management and wrote guidelines for organic production in Colombia, assisting farmers in obtaining organic certification. Isabel worked at the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve for several years, training landscapers in sustainable landscaping practices. From 2012-2018, Isabel worked as Master Gardener and Florida-Friendly Landscaping Coordinator for the UF IFAS extension, training over 40 Master Gardener volunteers and assisting Collier County Residents in sustainable landscaping and gardening practices.
Isabel started Colusa Farms in 2011 with her husband Jonathan Way. Colusa Farms is a 1.5 acre hydroponic farm that grows lettuce, microgreens, edible flowers and assorted culinary delicacies for the hospitality industry in Naples, Florida. We pride ourselves on using environmentally friendly growing practices, organic pest control techniques and same day harvest and delivery. Colusa Farms also prides itself on paying a living wage, profit share and flexible work arrangements for it’s employees.
When Isabel is not on the farm, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, Sol (5) and Kala (3), hiking and camping. Isabel still visits her family and their farm in Colombia on a yearly basis.
