Today we’d like to introduce you to Sidney-max Etienne
Hi Sidney-max, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey starts with a deep-rooted love for Haiti and a connection to its land. A land that has always felt like an extension of my soul. Growing up, I was immersed in my homeland’s rich cultural tapestry and the strength of its communities, but I also saw the harsh realities: widespread deforestation, environmental degradation, and a lack of resources. These early experiences shaped my resolve to contribute to something bigger than myself, to work toward a future where our land and people could thrive together.
Grown in Haiti began as a vision, a simple yet powerful realization that change must come from within. I wanted to create a space where traditional knowledge could be combined with innovative regenerative practices to heal our land and empower our communities. In 2014, with little more than a dream and a commitment to the land, I founded Grown in Haiti. We focused on regenerative agriculture and community-driven sustainability from the very start, distributing seeds and saplings and collaborating directly with local farmers. We then started training workshops, and since then, we have been a stable resource for our community.
The journey hasn’t been easy. Haiti faces many challenges that are real and constant. But these very challenges have taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of community. We’ve grown from those early days into something much larger, a movement that stands as a beacon of hope for sustainable practices and ecological regeneration in Haiti.
On a personal level, this journey has been incredibly transformative. It’s taught me patience and the importance of aligning our actions with our values. It’s reinforced my belief in the power of community and our shared responsibility to the land and each other. Today, Grown in Haiti is proof of what’s possible when we come together with a common purpose, committed to the health and future of our people and our planet.
Looking back, every obstacle and success has shaped where we are now, and I wouldn’t change a thing. I remain dedicated to this path, not just for Haiti, but for a future where sustainable living and community resilience are at the heart of everything we do.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Haiti is a place of incredible beauty and potential, but it also faces significant challenges that impact every aspect of life. From the very beginning, we had to navigate a landscape shaped by political instability, economic hardships, and frequent natural disasters. These conditions create a complex environment for any initiative, particularly one focused on long-term sustainability and community development.
One of our biggest struggles has been securing consistent funding and resources. Many international organizations and donors are hesitant to invest in projects in Haiti due to the perceived risks. This lack of financial stability has made it difficult at times to maintain our operations and expand our efforts. We’ve had to get creative, finding ways to stretch every dollar and use local resources effectively. For example, we started planting saplings in discarded plastic water bags and even created ecobricks—plastic bottles stuffed with loose plastics picked up from our community—to make the most of what we had available.
Another significant challenge has been dealing with the impact of natural disasters. Hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods are frequent in Haiti, and each event can set us back months or even years. After every disaster, we have to rebuild not only the physical infrastructure but also the trust and hope within our community. It’s a constant process of resilience and renewal, and it has taught us the importance of flexibility and patience.
Moreover, there’s the challenge of changing mindsets. Regenerative agriculture and sustainable practices aren’t always immediately understood or accepted, especially in communities where people are more focused on immediate survival than long-term environmental impact. We’ve had to invest a lot of time in education and engagement, showing people the tangible benefits of these practices, not just for the land but for their livelihoods.
Despite these struggles, each obstacle has been a learning experience, pushing us to innovate and adapt. The challenges have only strengthened our resolve to continue this work. They have taught us that meaningful change doesn’t come easy, but it’s worth every effort when you see the impact on the ground and in the lives of the people you serve.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work revolves around regenerative agriculture and community-led sustainability in Haiti, specifically through Grown in Haiti, the initiative I founded in 2014. Our mission is to revitalize the land while empowering local communities to become stewards of their environment. We specialize in using regenerative farming techniques that restore soil health, increase biodiversity, and promote sustainable livelihoods.
At Grown in Haiti, we are known for our holistic approach to sustainability. We don’t just plant trees; we cultivate ecosystems. This means integrating diverse species of trees and plants in a way that mimics natural processes, which not only enhances soil fertility but also creates habitats for local wildlife. We focus on creating ‘islands of abundance,’ a concept that uses circular planting patterns to optimize pollination, pest control, fertility, and soil structure. Our work also involves community education, where we hold workshops on sustainable farming practices, seed propagation, soil health, and other topics to help locals cultivate their own food and resources sustainably.
What I’m most proud of is the impact we’ve had on the ground. Over the years, we’ve planted and distributed over 20,000 saplings and countless seeds, not just to restore the landscape, but also to provide food security and resilience to the community. We’ve seen firsthand how our efforts have transformed barren lands into thriving ecosystems and how communities have become more self-sufficient and empowered through their engagement with the land.
What sets us apart is our commitment to doing this work from the inside out, led by Haitians for Haiti. We understand the unique challenges and opportunities of our environment because we live them every day. Our approach is rooted in local knowledge and tradition, combined with innovative regenerative practices that we adapt to fit our specific context. This deep, personal connection to the land and the community is at the core of everything we do.
I believe our work is unique because it’s not just about environmental restoration—it’s about cultural restoration, too. We aim to revive the lost relationship between the people and their land, to remind ourselves of the value of sustainable living and the power of community. Grown in Haiti is more than a project; it’s a movement towards a more regenerative, self-sufficient future for our country.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
One surprising thing that many people who know me or are familiar with Grown in Haiti might not realize is that my background isn’t originally in agriculture or environmental science. In fact, I come from a background that had little to do with farming. My journey into regenerative agriculture was driven purely by passion and a sense of responsibility to my homeland. I’m largely self-taught, learning through a combination of hands-on experience, trial and error, and a lot of reading and research. I believe this unconventional path has been one of our greatest strengths because it allowed me to approach things with fresh eyes and a willingness to experiment and innovate without being constrained by traditional methods.
Another surprising fact is that despite being deeply involved in land and community work, I also have a strong interest in creative arts, particularly in photography and storytelling. I believe that storytelling is a powerful tool for change. It’s not just about farming and planting trees; it’s about capturing the stories of resilience, hope, and transformation that happen every day in our communities. I often use photography and writing to document the journey of Grown in Haiti, to show the world not just the challenges we face but also the beauty and potential of our land and people. It’s another way to connect, inspire, and invite others to be a part of this movement.
Lastly, people might be surprised to know that I’m also a bit of a tech enthusiast. I’ve been exploring ways to integrate technology into our work to help monitor and optimize our regenerative practices. From soil testing apps to drone technology for aerial land surveys, I’m always looking for new ways to blend tradition with innovation to maximize our impact. This blend of the old and the new, of hands-on work and technological innovation, is something that continually excites and motivates me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.growninhaiti.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growninhaiti
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growninhaiti
- Twitter: https://www.x.com/growninhaiti
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/growninhaiti
Image Credits
Sidney-Max Etienne