Did you know that less than 5% of Nantucket Island’s 48 square miles is dedicated to agriculture? If that comes as a surprise, you are not alone. However, that wasn’t always the case. In 1850, there were over one hundred farms on the island, but today, fewer than twenty are still in existence.
The Nantucket Land Bank recognizes the multiple contributions of farms to our community. Locally grown food tends to have a higher nutritional value due to the shorter timeframe between harvest and consumption, and the absence of shipping reduces the carbon footprint. While most people recognize the merits of sustainable food systems, living on an island increases the importance of local production. Nantucket’s food supply chain is fragile. Severe weather, boat cancellations, and shipping delays can all affect food availability from mainland sources.
So, how can the Land Bank foster the island’s agricultural sector? As agriculture is one of the three components of our Act, we have been encouraging creative partnerships that result in shared resources to help our island farmers and the wider community. Our progress on this front was bolstered by the Land Bank Commissioner’s support to hire Agricultural Specialist Isaac Basibe.
Isaac Basibe comes to the Land Bank with over 11 years of agricultural experience spanning three continents. It only takes a brief conversation to clearly see that Isaac has an unparalleled depth of knowledge and understanding of farming. You might say he was born into it. Isaac was raised on a 10-acre farm in Jinja City, Uganda. His family grows corn, bananas, and legumes while also raising chickens and pigs for personal consumption. In addition, they rent thirty acres of land to cultivate and sell vanilla and coffee beans.
While Isaac’s love of farming began on his family property, he chose to follow his passion and earned a Bachelor of Vocational Studies in Agriculture with Education from Kyambogo University in Uganda, where he graduated and went on to teach agriculture at Lords Meade Vocational College. This was followed by a Master of Science Degree in Plant Sciences with an emphasis on Food Safety and Security from Tel Aviv University. During his time in Tel Aviv, Isaac’s research focused on the production of spirulina as a complete protein source for food insecure regions. During this time, he continued to hone his craft by working on various different farms, all of which more than prepared him for the next chapter in his career.
After completing graduate school, Isaac applied for a J1 Visa through the Communicating for Agricultural Exchange Program, which placed him at Bartlett Farm on Nantucket. When asked what he knew about Nantucket Island before his placement, his response was simple, “Nothing”.
Isaac arrived on Nantucket in 2019 and quickly became an integral part of the community. He worked at Bartlett Farm his first year on island, then transitioned to working for Fog Town Farm where he stayed until 2024, when the Land Bank was fortunate to have him join our team. While Isaac may no longer be working in the fields most days, it certainly does not mean he has neglected his farming roots. Isaac keeps a small garden at his house where he grows basil, rosemary, oregano and thyme to provide to local restaurants.
Since becoming the Agricultural Specialist, Isaac has been advancing the Land Bank’s efforts to help community members grow and have access to fresh local food. His broad knowledge of farming covers everything from seed germination to ensuring soil quality and developing proper watering schedules. His impact on the Land Bank and local farmers has been invaluable. With Isaac’s thoughtful guidance, the Land Bank will continue to find its footing as an asset to the island’s food system.
The Land Bank encourages you to play your part by supporting Nantucket farmers and eating local food!