Farmer First: See Zazo’s Beautiful Black Sea Farm

This farmer first, we’ll be doing a lot more showing than telling. Zazo’s farm is situated along the eastern coast of the Black Sea. This part of the Republic of Georgia is considered subtropical, and the land around Zaza’s is dense and lush forest.

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As we picked through soil samples in Zazo’s hand, Board Chairman Kevin Stark commented on the richness of the soil and the general beauty of the farm itself, and he was right. We’d arrived in time for sunset and the whole pasture seemed to glow.

Zazo smiled when we commented on the idyllic scene and assured us there was always trouble in paradise: “We face predators from the forrest, and the challenge of keeping back the forrest itself! But we love the land, thanks to God. I get to farm here with friends and family and it’s enough.”

Zazo had many questions for Kevin about planting soy—something that isn’t very common in Georgia—because he’s heard how helpful the crop can be for soil health. He had one of his farmhands hop in the tractor to begin tilling and they all began laughing.

”We were just asking whether the tractor is older or if he is older,” Zazo laughed. They’re both ancient! The man waved off their jokes and hopped up into the cab.

Thanks to the entire AgG community for supporting these kinds of scouting efforts, and thanks for helping develop farmers in the far-flung, beautiful corners of the world!