Farming is no easy feat, often requiring time, patience, and unyielding dedication. However, Beatrice Kamau has mastered the balance of a demanding career in the healthcare industry and her passion for running a sustainable farming operation. As a full-time nurse and dedicated farmer, Beatrice is using her resourcefulness and Kenyan heritage to cultivate sustainable and culturally relevant produce that helps fuel and nourish her local community.
As the Founder of Multiple Harvest LLC, a 6-acre sustainable farm located in Beecher, Illinois, Beatrice has carved out a niche for herself since establishing the farm in 2017 and officially registering it in 2019. The farm specializes in growing an assortment of culturally significant vegetables, herbs, and fruits that are popular among African immigrant communities.
A Lifelong Passion for Farming
Although Beatrice runs a successful operation, she wasn’t always a farmer. She was born in Kenya, and growing food, whether in small city plots or backyards, was part of her everyday life. Her early exposure to crops like sukuma wiki (collard greens), amaranth, and managu during her childhood ignited a lifelong passion for agriculture and the bountiful harvests this land produces.
After moving to the United States, she leveraged the resourcefulness she experienced growing up and started growing vegetables along her garage and fence. In 2017, she joined several community gardens in Chicago, which allowed her to expand her growing space and furthered her commitment to creating a sustainable farm. She also attended workshops and farmer conferences, which fueled her vision even further, strengthened her community ties, and led to the purchase of her six-acre farm in 2023.
The Intersection of Health and Agriculture
With her background in nursing, Beatrice has a deeper understanding of the connection between nutrition and health. “I take pride in offering fresh, nutrient-rich produce that supports wellness in my community. Knowing how soil feeds plants—and in turn, how plants nourish people—is at the core of what I do,” she says. This holistic view allows her to understand how vital soil is to the growth of thriving plants and, in turn, a healthy community.
Community Mentorship and Engagement
Beatrice is a passionate advocate for community collaboration, engaging actively with local farmers to market produce, share knowledge, and resources. Through a Farmer-to-Farmer training program, she mentors aspiring farmers, and as a co-founder of African Women in Beekeeping (AWIB), she connects over 200 beekeepers from more than ten countries and the Diaspora. Through the AWIB network, knowledge is shared through WhatsApp and on the organization’s Facebook page to other fellow beekeepers, cultivating a sense of community support and camaraderie.
Navigating Challenges
Running a sustainable farm comes with its challenges, especially regarding access to capital, which continues to be a barrier for several small farmers across the country. However, Beatrice’s dual career as a nurse helps mitigate some financial pressures, allowing her to invest in necessary improvements and equipment for Multiple Harvest. Although grants can be competitive, Beatrice’s farm has received support from notable organizations, including the American Heart Association, James Beard Foundation®, and Climate Land Leaders.
Cultivating Niche Crops and Value-Added Products
Multiple Harvest stands out not only for its commitment to sustainability but also for its unique offerings. Since its inception, the farm, whose mission is to grow fresh, culturally relevant produce using sustainable practices that promote soil health, reduce food waste, and foster community connection, sets itself apart from others in the industry through the production of niche vegetables rarely found fresh in U.S. markets. Currently, Multiple Harvest produces collard greens, Swiss chard, kale, tomatoes, tulsi, oregano, wormwood, cilantro, and practices beekeeping. The Illinois farm also offers a selection of fruit trees, including pears, plums, cherries, and apples.
Through trial and error, Beatrice has also developed an innovative approach that allows for early planting and the successful succession of niche crops that are difficult to source commercially. In addition, the farm produces value-added items including flavored honey, tinctures, and both frozen and dehydrated produce.
Her Message to Future Farmers
Beatrice Kamau’s journey embodies the future of agriculture, one where passion, dedication, and community engagement drive success. She encourages aspiring farmers to “start small and plan ahead”. She also says to “write your vision, set goals, and grow what you love to eat.” Mentorship and community support are also invaluable tools on this path. Beatrice’s commitment demonstrates that while farming is hard work, it is also incredibly rewarding.
Connect with Beatrice and Multiple Harvest, and follow her journey:
Website: www.multipleharvest.com
Facebook: Multiple Harvest LLC
Instagram: @multiple_harvest
