"We believe that our roots lies in the soil - and by remaining a truly diversified agricultural company we can cater to all type of markets that has to do anything with landscaping and farming in general."

Despite economic and environmental challenges, Farmer's Garden and Al Shawab Agriculture Group disbtribution line is growing steadily. “Since last one year we’ve added about 13 new products to our growing product portfolio and partnered with several more,” says Hira - our Chairperson proudly. “We’ve also added new products such as liquid fertilizers and pesticides. It gives us the capacity to efficiently operate in the field and increases our ability to cater to wider clientele.”

Farmer's Garden and team are not settling there, though. “We’re currently negotiating to be the sole regional distributor for a a new precision dry fertilizer with our partners in Europe,” Hira continues. “That particular product been under design for a few years. It’s been tough. A competitive market has slowed things down for us, but we have adequate knowledge now and it’s starting to take off.” Part of the challenge is a changing farmer demographic. “The farms are changing in size,” explains Hira. “Our customers need different types of services and products than they did years ago.”

To help compensate for a changing market, Hira’s team is looking outside the cooperative. “We outsourced some of our services that are more expertise driven, such as Landscaping and maintenance” says Hira. “We hire services or high skill levels like a nutritionist, agronomist, computer and mechanical services. If the need requires, we would bring them in house, if that works for us.”

Always a positive: Farmer's Gargen has maintained relationships with all of its partners for many years, and Hira says his suppliers are of significant importance. “Our vendors have stayed the same for a long time,” he says. “We are always working toward developing closer relationships with them.” It is clear that the corporation has achieved just that: a loyal member base.

While times had been tight in the agricultural and landscaping industry, Hira is starting to see a turnaround. “Agriculture is a great place to be today,” he explains. “Things will continue to improve as long as we work diligently. We’re self-reliant. We won’t wait around for something to change.” While there are many factors the team cannot control – like the weather and resulting commodities prices – Hira maintains the key to staying relevant is to offer the best products, services and work with members and partners to build up the market.