Meet Citerina Atkins | Agricultural Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Citerina Atkins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Citerina, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have always wanted to be my own boss to build a legacy and to have my name attached to something that will bring a lasting change in the space I operate. I learnt early that I do not fit into the construct of a 9-5. I enjoy playing by my own rules and having full control of my time. When the Idea of a farming business was presented to me by my current business partner I immediately went into research mode to find out how lucrative a business in the agriculture industry could be and how I can start with the resources I had available to me. I knew I Had to leverage the resources and knowledge of those around me because I was entering a sector I had no prior training or experience in. I told myself whatever it is that I need to know there’s someone out there who knows it and it is my job to find that person and so I did, I started networking like there’s no tomorrow. The aim was to bring commercial activities in the rural community to drive development and with Expert advice the business began operation. I was being led to my purpose and I didn’t even realize it at the time.

What should our readers know about your business?
Gerty’s Agro-Produce is a rurally based agriculture business that focuses on crop production. We adopt climate smart practices to produce scotch bonnet peppers, yellow yams and sweet potatoes for the export markets and Irish potatoes and other crops for the local market. We hope to expand into Agro-processing in the near future to start adding value to our produce to cater to a growing niche. One of the things we aspired to do was to use agriculture as a driver for development in the rural community and we have seen it unfolding with the increase in agricultural activities since Gerty’s was established back in 2018. We take pride in this and will continue to seek opportunities to expand and improve the resilience of the farmers in the area. It has been a rocky road getting to where I am now but I adopt a win or learn mindset and paired with a strong support system I feel like I can move mountains and accomplish anything I set my mind to. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt is to start where I am with the resources I have available to me and the universe will align to get me where I need to go.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
With the hustle and bustle of todays life it is important for us to schedule time to reset which is why a 7 day retreat at Go Natural Jamaica in Long Bay Portland would be fitting.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am very grateful for the strong support system I have on this journey. Some people have been there from day 1 and others I met along the way. I want to say a big SHOUTOUT to my cousin and business partner Roike Campbell. You have been the backbone of Gerty’s Agro-produce and you continue to challenge me to always strive for greatness. Credits go out to my Parents Enid White and Michael Atkins for instilling in me the importance of self love, for demonstrating what it means to be of service to others daily and for being my biggest cheerleaders. To My mentor Major (ret) Stanley Ford your contributions, dedication and endless support have been instrumental in my success. On the days when the journey seems daunting your motivational words provide the fuel for me to carry on. I am forever grateful for the support of my family and friends. Thank you for being there when I need you most.

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Gertys.AgroProduce/