Farmer Constant Grows Roots in Santa Fe
Plant It Forward is proud to showcase the operational expansion of PIF Farmer, Constant Ngouala. Constant has been a dedicated participant and leader in Plant It Forward since its beginnings; with his gifts as a farmer, mentor, and businessman, he has been essential to Plant It Forward’s success, growth, and sense of community. With his major business expansion, Constant has exciting plans in store for his customers and PIF alike.
You may know Constant from one of the farmers’ markets where he sells his produce. For the majority of the last decade, Constant has been growing the food that he sells on a one-acre farm located at Plant It Forward – Fondren. During that time, he has worked hard to hone his skills as a farmer while developing a strong understanding of the local market and his customer base. In early 2021, Constant was able to attain an 8-acre farm in Sante Fe, Texas after building a connection and negotiating with a fellow regional farmer. In addition to acquiring land, Constant has been expanding his equipment with his recent purchase of a tractor, which will increase efficiency, save time, and ease the effort that it takes to put land into production. Currently, Constant maintains his urban farm at PIF Fondren as he is setting up his new operation in Santa Fe. He sells produce grown from both farms.
Constant’s plot in Santa Fe presents exciting new possibilities for his farm-based business. With such a large piece of land, Constant will be able to plant and sell products that haven’t been feasible to grow before, such as a variety of fruits, and space-and-time intensive crops such as Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, potatoes, and strawberries. Currently, only a portion of his 8-acre farm is in production, leaving the opportunity for his farming business to expand at the right pace. As Constant states, “For me, I think it’s best not to go fast, go slowly.” As the market for local healthy food expands, along with Constant’s customer base, he will continue to put his land into production.
Constant foresees his partnership with PIF to last well into the future. “I’ll be selling [to PIF’s Food Hub]. For me, with Plant It, that is forever.” Constant will continue to mentor other PIF farmers. Knowing the struggles of being a new farmer, Constant is passionate about helping other new Americans shape their own farming businesses. “When I come here I was a refugee. I tried to start my own farm by myself and that was not possible.” Constant says, “If you have somebody with you that is better than to go by yourself.”
Plant It Forward is incredibly proud of Constant’s hard work, expansion, and success. We look forward to seeing how Constant’s vision unfolds. This growth presents continual possibilities for Constant’s farming business and his customers. His expansion exhibits the commitment and progress Constant has to make to make Houston healthier, more inclusive, and greener.
