FEATURES • SUPPLIERS
Harvesting Nature’s
Best: The LYD Organic
Farm Exploration
January 2025
Words & Photography by The Punch
Located in the fertile volcanic soil of Bali, LYD Organic is a farm that revolves around fresh, richly-hued produce. In a world driven by mass production and economic gain, the substance of what we eat often gets lost. But at LYD Organic, where the earth is tended to without pesticides or chemicals, the produce bursts with copious life, flavor, and vitality. This is more than just farming; it’s a return to the roots of nourishment, where every vegetable, fruit, and flower reflects the richness of the land from which it grew.
At LYD Organic, respect for nature isn’t just a philosophy–it’s a practice instilled in every environmental, social, and economic decision. Through a blend of science and traditional knowledge, the team has refined their craft, learning from each harvest and every challenge. In 2018, Yohanes Wibowo connected with LYD Organic, contributing to the company’s organic farm as a consultant.
By 2024, he became the production manager, viewing this role as a significant milestone. Yohanes’ journey begins in a small village near Ambarawa, a charming town in Semarang, Central Java. Growing up in a thriving agroforestry area filled with coffee, clove, and diverse fruit trees, he pursued his agricultural education at SPMA Kanisius Ambarawa, focusing on food crops and horticulture. Yohanes believes LYD Organic is poised to become a leading name in natural and organic production, committed to making a lasting impact on agriculture.
Significant efforts have been made to establish a waste management system across LYD Group venues, including La Brisa and Bokashi. Now, the farm has opened its doors to the public. The goal? To educate and inspire people, both in Bali and the world, to become more mindful of what they eat and to deepen their understanding of where their food comes from. It’s a vision that connects the farm to the plate, reminding us all of the power of quality, sustainability, and the life force within our food.
FILLING THE GAP: GONZALO'S VISION
Gonzalo, the driving force behind LYD Group & Organic Farm, saw a gap in the island’s produce market and chose to fill it with an organic approach. As the pioneer of organic farming in Bedugul, he introduced the island’s first heirloom tomatoes, a feat so impactful that other suppliers now rely on their seeds. Gonzalo is convinced that superior ingredients translate into superior restaurant service and unforgettable dining experiences.
With a clear ambition, Gonzalo planned to elevate LYD Organic Farm to new heights, aiming to cultivate all the tomatoes, vegetables, herbs, and plants necessary to supply their venues–La Brisa, La Plancha, Bokashi, La Laguna, and more. His vision was to establish a self-sustaining supply chain within the group, integrating farm-to-table freshness into every aspect of their operations without a hitch.
REGENERATIVE FARMING IN BALI'S VOLCANIC SOIL
At LYD Organic Farm, the dedication to natural principles is uncompromised. Pesticides are a distant concept; everything is 100% organic. Partners are welcome to witness the transparency of the process, from heirloom tomatoes cultivated from regenerative seeds to the use of Bokashi compost made from food scraps sourced from venues like La Brisa and La Plancha. The farm supports regenerative farming through diligent crop rotation–tomatoes, lettuce, herbs, and back to tomatoes–protecting soil health and reducing pests. Despite the challenge posed by pesticide use nearby, the farm’s resilient heirloom seeds thrive.
In Bedugul, where volcanic soil enriches the land and cooler temperatures prevail, the produce stands out for its exceptional quality. The team at the farm, with dedicated expertise in organic cultivation, faces challenges as only half of their crops may reach perfection.
However, they remain driven, expanding to new areas like Jimbaran and Uluwatu to experiment with different surroundings and test their heirloom seeds. By using plant leftovers as compost, they boost soil health without chemicals, making sure their produce retains its natural taste and nutritional value. Unlike conventionally grown crops, which depend on pesticides, their organic fruits, and vegetables are enriched naturally from volcanic minerals, offering superior quality and flavor.
QUALITY OVER QUANTITY: CURATING UNIQUE FLAVORS
Having their farm allows LYD Group to carefully plan and request specific produce, a luxury not common on the island. Last year, they inspired local farmers to cultivate broccolini–a rare find in Bali–ideal for grilling with simple seasonings, aligning with LYD’s ingredient-focused principles. The farm's proximity to La Brisa enables the creation of seasonal menus and the procurement of unique items like artichokes.
Although organic farming presents challenges, such as dealing with imperfect harvests–where, for example, only 50 out of 100 tomato plants might thrive due to pests–the team adapts by adjusting menus and repurposing less-than-perfect produce into sauces or emulsions, making sure that every part of the harvest is used. To maintain a steady supply, they also forge partnerships with neighboring farms around Bedugul, focusing on quality over quantity. Instead of letting limited produce go to waste, they transform it into delights like jams or sauces, embodying new sensibilities and added value.
ELEVATING SIGNATURE DISHES
At La Brisa, the charismatic burrata salad shines as a signature dish, capturing simplicity and freshness with heirloom tomatoes harvested from their farm. This selection includes a medley of black heirlooms, and cherry tomatoes in shades of black, red, and yellow, alongside varieties like Margherita and Strombolino. The recipe highlights the tomatoes with just a touch of salt, pepper, basil, mushrooms, and a creamy dollop of burrata–once you have a taste of it, you’ll be hooked.
Daily, La Brisa uses five to eight kilos of these heirloom gems, a necessity to supply not only their kitchen but also La Plancha, Bokashi, and the expansive La Laguna. Having a steady supply of tomatoes, broccolini, artichokes, and other key ingredients becomes a laborious task. What makes it worth it all is the taste, the distinct sweetness, and the superior flavor of their organic tomatoes stand out, achieved through natural cultivation methods without chemicals. This devotion to organic farming, while more labor-intensive and costlier, certifies each crop to be of the highest quality.
CULTIVATING CHANGE THROUGH EDUCATION
LYD Organic is shaping its identity by tackling the challenges of improper waste management in Bali and implementing waste separation practices across all venues. They aim to repurpose this waste–whether through composting on their farm, contributing to the Jiwa Community, or collaborating with other local initiatives.
At the same time, plans are underway to open LYD Farm to the public, offering visitors a chance to experience their farming practices firsthand and even pick strawberries. By reusing water and food scraps and focusing on quality, LYD Organic aspires to become the island’s leading organic farm, inspiring chefs and hospitality partners to prioritize ingredients of local origins and educating the public on the benefits of organic, chemical-free food for healthier living.
EXPLORE THE FULL STORY IN UNCOVERED BALI BOOK
Uncovered Bali is a collective project showcasing the sustainable journeys of carefully selected Bali businesses to a global audience. Each story highlights the unique impact these enterprises have on preserving Bali’s cultural and environmental heritage while driving positive change. Through this project, we aim to inspire global leaders, travelers, and communities to embrace more sustainable practices and appreciate the powerful role that local businesses play in shaping a better future.
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