In May 2026, we started a new initiative: Vhon Dutch SANFARM.

Through one of our members, we came into contact with Loriel “Vhon” Lagutom, a 30-year-old farmer with experience, practical knowledge, a piece of farmland and, above all, plenty of motivation to build something meaningful. He knew what he wanted to grow and how he could use his land, but needed support to further develop his plans.

Before deciding to work together, we spoke extensively with Vhon about his experience, farming methods, the different crops and his plans for the future. His practical knowledge and ideas made us enthusiastic about working together.

We saw not only an opportunity to support a farmer, but also a chance to learn more about farming together.

And that is how Vhon Dutch SANFARM was born.

Learning and Growing Together

From the beginning, we wanted Vhon Dutch SANFARM to become more than simply supporting one farmer. We want to build knowledge and experience together.

Vhon knows the land and has practical experience growing vegetables and fruit. We support him, exchange ideas and look together at what is working well and what could be improved.

Jhayvee Gutierrez is also involved. He visits the farm approximately once a week, checks the condition of the crops together with Vhon and helps wherever needed.

Vhon also regularly keeps us updated with photos, videos and reports. This allows us to closely follow the development of the farm.

From Chili Peppers to Watermelons

Several types of vegetables and fruit are now being grown on the land, including cucumbers, Taiwan chili, long chili, squash, watermelon, eggplant and tomatoes.

Vhon tries to make the best possible use of the natural characteristics of the land. One part of the farm, for example, is on a slope. Instead of leaving this area unused, he decided to plant squash there.

There are approximately 1,050 Taiwan chili plants and 1,050 long chili plants. The first harvests are expected around the third week of September.

There are also approximately 250 squash plants and 250 watermelon plants, which are expected to be ready for harvesting in October. For later in the season, there are around 500 eggplant plants and almost 400 tomato plants, with harvests expected around November.

It is wonderful to see how a piece of farmland is gradually transforming into a farm filled with different crops.

Not Everything Goes According to Plan

Farming is not simply about planting and waiting for the harvest. This is something we have already learned.

The cucumbers were among the first crops to be planted. Approximately 360 cucumber plants were divided across nine sections of land. Unfortunately, due to persistent rain and unfavorable weather conditions, the plants did not develop as we had hoped. Some have been damaged to such an extent that Vhon is considering removing them.

This is disappointing, but at the same time it provides valuable practical experience. We are learning that although you can prepare and plan many things in farming, nature will always play an important role.

Rainfall, temperature, insects, plant diseases and soil conditions can all affect the final result.

Water Remains a Challenge

Another important area requiring attention is the water supply.

The farm is large, and the current water hose is not long enough to easily reach every part of the land. As a result, the hose has to be moved regularly between different water points.

For now, this works, but in the future we want to explore a more practical solution. A better irrigation system could make the work easier and ensure that the plants receive sufficient and more consistent watering.

These practical challenges also teach us more about what is needed to run a farm successfully.

Building Knowledge Step by Step

Vhon Dutch SANFARM is still a young project, and there is much more to learn and improve. That is exactly what makes this project so interesting to us.

Every stage teaches us something new: from preparing the soil and selecting seeds to planting, caring for and protecting the crops, and eventually harvesting them.

We learn from Vhon, while at the same time supporting him with our own ideas. When something does not go according to plan, we work together to find solutions.

The project is therefore not only about the vegetables and fruit that will eventually be harvested, but also about the knowledge and experience we are building together.

One Project That Can Help Others

Our dream for Vhon Dutch SANFARM goes beyond this one farm.

We hope that what we learn together can eventually be used to help other farmers and families. Once we develop methods that work well in practice, we can share this knowledge and experience with others.

In this way, something that starts small can continue to grow step by step.

The photos and videos we regularly receive show how quickly the farm is developing: from preparing the land and planting tiny seeds to fields filled with growing vegetables.

Every update brings us closer to the first major harvests.

We know there will be both successes and setbacks along the way. But by working together, continuing to learn and adapting our approach when necessary, we hope to develop Vhon Dutch SANFARM into a sustainable project for the future.

Because from one small seed, something can eventually grow that benefits many people.

That is what Vhon Dutch SANFARM stands for:

Growing Good Food, Brighter Tomorrows

Growing good food, building a better future.