Hurricane Beryl's Aftermath: The Road to Recovery for Crayfish Bay Organic Cocoa Estate

At Small Vegan Kitchen, we deeply value the individuals and communities who dedicate themselves to cultivating the high-quality, nature-aligned ingredients that are the foundation of great cuisine. We believe that the essence of exceptional food lies in the passion and commitment of those who work the land, respecting both the environment and the resources it provides.

We were particularly moved by the story of the Crayfish Bay Organic Cocoa Estate, which faced overwhelming challenges when Hurricane Beryl devastated its crops. This farm, known for its dedication to organic practices and sustainable farming, lost nearly everything in the storm.

A Deep Connection to Crayfish Bay

As Hurricane Beryl barreled toward the Caribbean, the small but resilient Crayfish Bay Organic Cocoa Estate found itself in the path of potential devastation. Nestled in the lush landscapes of Grenada, this farm was a beacon of organic and sustainable farming, a place where the land was nurtured with care and respect. But nature had its own plans.

Photos of Crayfish Bay Organic Cocoa Estate before the Hurricane

Sander and Danielle, full-time live-aboard cruisers, had a deep connection to this farm. The couple, along with their two children, had spent several months there the previous year, forming a close bond with the farm's owners, Kim and Lylette. The family was eager to return to Crayfish Bay while their sailboat, Susie Jane, was hauled out for maintenance. But the sudden approach of Hurricane Beryl forced a change in plans. The day before Beryl was set to strike, they joined hundreds of other sailors in a hasty retreat to Trinidad, their hearts heavy with concern for their friends back in Grenada.

Rallying for Relief

Communication lines went dead as Beryl unleashed its fury on the island. For days, Sander and Danielle anxiously awaited word from Kim and Lylette, who had stayed behind to protect their farm. In the meantime, the couple sprang into action, organising a relief effort through the Cruising Community Relief Response to Hurricane Beryl. Their efforts, supported by generous donations and aid from the Trinidadian government, culminated in a convoy of eight sailboats carrying relief supplies back to the devastated areas.

Arriving in Carriacou, the scene that greeted them was heartbreaking. The once-vibrant island was now a landscape of destruction—bare tree stumps, wrecked boats, and a heavy silence filled the air. These paradisical cruising grounds they had once called home were now barely recognisable. Yet amidst the destruction, the resilience of the local community shone through. Despite their own losses, the locals remained hopeful and eager to help each other rebuild. Their strength shone through in spite of their hardship and that was something that stayed with Danielle and Sander.

A Mission to Rebuild

Danielle and Sander were keen to check on the farm and decided to return to Grenada. They found Crayfish Bay in ruins. The once lush farm was a shadow of its former self, with fallen trees and destroyed crops littering the landscape.

Yet, amidst the heartbreak, there was hope. Sander and Kim set to work, creating a plan to restore the farm, step by step. With the help of a GoFundMe page, they began to rally support to rebuild this special place.

"By bringing attention to their situation, we hope to inspire others to support the future of Crayfish Bay Organic Cocoa Estate," said Danielle. "It's not just about saving a farm; it's about preserving a way of life that values food, nature, and community."

Through this article, Small Vegan Kitchen wants to do its part in raising awareness and garner support for the recovery efforts, highlighting the resilience and commitment needed to rebuild not just a farm but the whole community, after such a catastrophic event.

The Scale of Devastation

Hurricane Beryl struck with a ferocity that left its mark on every corner of the Crayfish Bay Organic Cocoa Estate. According to Kim Russel, who manages the estate, the damage was extensive. Nearly 80% of the cocoa trees were destroyed, along with all of the nutmeg, avocado, and breadfruit crops. Bananas lost their fruit, and about 75% of other fruit crops were wiped out. This loss is not just a setback for the estate but also a significant blow to the local agricultural community that depends on these crops for their livelihood.

Replanting and Soil Preparation

The road to recovery is long and arduous. Clearing and replanting the land will take at least two months, with an additional five years required to nurture the young trees until they start bearing fruit. While soil preparation mainly involves clearing debris and digging new holes for planting, it is an essential step to ensure that the new crops have a solid foundation.

Kim explains that the work is currently being carried out by four local men, although this number will drop to two in about two months. The manual labor involved is intense, and securing adequate funding for wages and resources is a persistent challenge. Plants are sourced from various suppliers, but the financial strain of purchasing beans and maintaining the land is considerable.

Community Involvement and Relief Efforts

The once-thriving estate now lay bare, with extensive damage evident even before reaching the main buildings. The recovery process involves not just physical labor but also emotional support and rebuilding community morale.

The Future of Cocoa Farming

Cocoa farming is a long-term commitment. Kim highlights that starting a cocoa farm from scratch is a decade-long journey. The Crayfish Bay Organic Cocoa Estate, which took 13 years to thrive, is dedicated to keeping the local cocoa industry alive. By focusing on high-quality chocolate production and reducing reliance on corporate industries, the estate aims to provide decent wages for the local farming community and encourage younger generations to pursue cocoa farming as a viable career.

The road to recovery is full of challenges, but with ongoing support and community engagement, the Crayfish Bay Organic Cocoa Estate has a hopeful future ahead.

If you are touched by this story and wanting to follow the farm's progress you can check their social media pages below.

How to Contribute

For those looking to support the recovery efforts, there are several ways to contribute:

Financial Donations:  You can donate directly to the recovery fund through the GFM page or through Western Union.

Visit and Support:  The farm is still open for visits via Airbnb, with minimal damage to accommodations. Enjoy a stay and experience the local culture while supporting the recovery.

We have added the Airbnb links for you below for The Little House, and The Tree House at Crayfish Bay Organic Estate

You can follow their social media pages for more information and updates on the rebuilding of their farm.

Visit their Youtube Channel here

Visit their Facebook page here

Visit their Instagram page here

Crayfish Bay Organics Chocolate Project

Together, we can help restore the Crayfish Bay Organic Cocoa Estate and support the broader Grenadian community in their recovery efforts.

Enjoyed this blog post? Get more inspiration, recipes, and exclusive updates delivered straight to your inbox! Join our newsletter community and be the first to explore new content that’ll take your meals and adventures to the next level. Sign up today HERE.

Monthly Newsletter

The Small Vegan Kitchen Community is a global family of like-minded cruisers/sailors who want nutritious, tasty and simple-to-prepare meals from wherever they are sailing in the world.

We aim to write useful and practical content to help you eat well and enjoy cooking in your galley. 

We are here to show you that small kitchens are big on possibilities. 

Here is what you can expect:

• Take a tour around the galley of a superyacht, charter boat or liveaboard cruiser as they share their galley tips and stories.

• The low down on the best galley equipment.

• Advice on how to be nutritionally savvy with our Superfoods For Sailors.

• Nutrient-rich, delicious and simple recipes to support your active lifestyle.

Sign up today HERE.