Fulfilling a Longtime Dream

Owning a garden filled with ornamental flowers was a longtime dream for Lourdes Hernández. A former schoolteacher, she transitioned to a full-time farmer in 1997. Lourdes and her husband, Eugenio, originally planted bananas but found little success because of the weather conditions in Puerto Rico. They pivoted and started a small nursery. Today, they operate a successful business.

“The work has been hard and required sacrifices, but we have put a lot of love because we enjoy it,” Lourdes said. “You need to love what you have to be able to take care of it and cultivate it as we have.”

The operation is run by the entire family, who are motivated by their local customers who have kept their business afloat over the years.

“Seeing the joy people leave with and come here for, everything to their liking, they feel so grateful and so happy, that this brings me satisfaction,” Lourdes said.

Farm Credit: Through Good Times and Bad

Lourdes and Eugenio consider their relationship with Puerto Rico Farm Credit a success. They appreciate the personal relationship they have forged over the years, and Farm Credit’s presence through the tough times.

Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic and severe weather complications, Lourdes said, “Every time there was a storm situation, or during COVID-19, they came to see if we could continue financially and they were always with us, hand in hand.”