LaFortune Djabea is the newest member of NOFA-NH’s Board of Directors. When she came to America from Cameroon to finish her studies, LaFortune brought her love of diverse foods and cooking with her.

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“Cameroon is indeed known as ‘Africa in miniature’ because of its incredible diversity in cultures, languages, landscapes and climates,” she explains. “The country is home to over 250 ethnic groups, each with its own language and traditions, making for a vibrant and culturally rich environment. Whether you lived in the bustling cities like Douala or Yaoundé, or in the more rural areas, you experienced a mix of traditional customs alongside modern influences.”

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“Cameroonian hospitality is warm and welcoming with a strong sense of community.”  she continues. “Celebrations, festivals, and communal gatherings are an essential part of life.“

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LaFortune came to America to finish her education. She earned a Master’s Degree in Public Health, a Data Analytics certification, and a Scrum Master certification. She additionally holds a degree in plant-based cooking, which reflects her passion for healthy and sustainable living.”

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“I'm a single woman with the blessings of 3 wonderful children,” she states with pride. “My love of cooking comes from my upbringing with my grandmother, who taught me to cook. For me, healthy eating and organically grown food are deeply rooted in my heritage. My values are deeply rooted in kindness and inclusivity, and I genuinely care about the well-being of everyone.”

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LaFortune relocated to New Hampshire because she wanted more space than what Massachusetts could offer. She lives in Nashua, but she’s still in the process of finding the perfect spot in New Hampshire where she can truly settle down.

“I'm in the food and beverage business,” she resumes. “As an immigrant woman entrepreneur, I’ve faced significant challenges breaking into the close-knit food and beverage industry. This field is heavily reliant on connections, and gaining entry often depends on whether people are willing to support and see you succeed. Navigating these networks and establishing trust has been a key hurdle, but overcoming these obstacles has strengthened my resolve and broadened my perspective on entrepreneurship even though I still face the challenges every day.”

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“One of my favorite business memories is launching a project that truly resonated with people. Seeing an idea come to life, watching it positively impact others, and experiencing the excitement of success after all the hard work is incredibly rewarding. It’s that moment when everything clicks, and you realize you’ve created something meaningful.”

Cultural diversity is very important to LaFortune.

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“It enriches our communities and broadens our perspectives,” she asserts. “A diverse and inclusive food system in New Hampshire is vital for spanning economic, social and environmental dimensions.”

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“Economically, it supports local businesses and farmers, fostering a resilient food network. Socially, it brings people together, creating a sense of belonging and shared identity. Culturally, it preserves and celebrates the rich heritage and traditions of different communities, making our food system a reflection of our collective history. Environmentally, it promotes sustainable practices by encouraging the use of diverse crops and traditional farming methods that respect the land. Together, these factors create a more vibrant, equitable, and sustainable food system.”

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Organic food production is also important to LaFortune because it promotes better health and can increase life expectancy.

“By avoiding synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and genetically modified organisms, organic farming produces food that is more natural and nutrient-rich. This leads to a healthier diet, reduces the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals, and supports overall well being. Additionally, organic practices are often more sustainable, contributing to a healthier environment, which in turn benefits future generations.”

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LaFortune sees a future where small organic farms and food businesses are key players in a more sustainable, health-conscious, and environmentally friendly food system.

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“The greatest challenge that small organic farms and food businesses face is often economic sustainability,” she says. “Operating on a smaller scale, they struggle with higher production costs, limited access to capital, competition from large-scale industrial farms, and the pressures of meeting stringent organic certification requirements. Additionally, they face challenges related to distribution, marketing and maintaining consumer trust in a market where ‘organic’ labels are sometimes used loosely.”

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“Organic businesses can lead by example, demonstrating that farming can be done sustainably without relying on synthetic chemicals or harmful practices. Many organic farms employ practices like crop rotation, composting and reduced tillage, which sequester carbon in the soil and lower greenhouse gas emissions.”

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“Organic farms often grow a variety of crops and maintain natural habitats around their fields, which supports pollinators, wildlife, and beneficial insects. They raise awareness about the environmental impact of conventional farming and the benefits of organic methods. Through transparent practices and consumer education, they can shift public opinion and drive demand for more sustainable products. By advocating for policies that support organic farming, such as subsidies for sustainable practices or stricter regulations on synthetic chemicals, organic businesses can influence broader agricultural policy and promote environmental stewardship at a larger scale.”

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LaFortune is NOFA-NH’s newest Board member, and we’re excited to have her unique experience and perspective.

“NOFA-NH membership provides me with an opportunity to give back to the community. It allows me to contribute to a cause I believe in, supporting sustainable and organic farming practices. Being part of NOFA-NH is my way of paying it forward, helping to build a healthier, more sustainable food system while connecting with like-minded individuals who share the same values.”

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“My values are deeply rooted in kindness and inclusivity, and I genuinely care about the well being of everyone.”