Young Innovator Revolutionizes Jamaican Agriculture with Hydroponics
At only 24 years old, Jamaican entrepreneur Chad Campbell is proving that technology and innovation can reshape agriculture. Through his rooftop-based business, C.N.C Hydroponics Estates, Campbell produces fresh leafy greens year-round using advanced hydroponic farming techniques — ensuring consistent, climate-resilient produce supply despite unpredictable weather.
Campbell identified a market gap caused by Jamaica’s variable climate and lack of year-round traditional farming production. Using the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) system, nutrient-rich water is delivered over plant roots in PVC pipes, enabling crops like lettuce to thrive without soil and with up to 90% less water than conventional farming.
From Trial and Error to Business Growth
Campbell’s journey wasn’t without challenges. What began as rooftop experimentation required a full year of trial and error before he successfully harvested his first crop. Starting with a modest investment of $2,000, his first harvest generated $37,000 in revenue, which he reinvested to expand the operation.
Today, C.N.C Hydroponics Estates supplies leafy greens to local restaurants, wholesalers, and even delivers directly to households — helping get fresh, sustainable food to tables across Jamaica. Campbell also actively shares his knowledge with others in his community, helping more people explore hydroponic farming.
Overcoming Challenges & Looking Ahead
Despite rapid growth, Campbell faces key hurdles including access to suitable land, power outages, and crop diseases — which he combats using organic treatments like neem oil and baking soda.
Looking forward, Campbell expects C.N.C Hydroponics Estates to become one of Jamaica’s leading distributors of greens and hydroponic produce, with ambitions to scale further and help reduce youth unemployment by encouraging more young people to consider agriculture as a viable business.
