Organic Agriculture Movement General Meeting on July 29

The Dominica Organic Agriculture Movement Inc. (DOAM Inc) will hold an important General Meeting next Thursday, July 29, at the Public Service Union on Valley Road from 10.00 am to 12 noon.

The programme will feature a recap of DOAM’s recent major achievements in the organic sector, and a presentation on the remaining work-plan for 2010 to include updates on organic inputs and fertilizers as well as preparations for the DOAM AGM and election of officers in early September.

Additionally, DOAM will conduct a participatory discussion on the start of a domestic Organic Certification process and the formation of a farmers’ Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Group. Farmers and consumers will have the opportunity to participate in the formation and lead Dominica’s first organic certification initiative.

The meeting will close with organically grown refreshments at 12 noon.

DOAM invites participation of the entire Dominica population and encourages membership from a wide cross section of stakeholders including farmers, producers, processor and consumers.

One of the primary aims of DOAM is to establish an organic industry of exceptional quality that meets the demanding standards of an agricultural trade that is driven as much by commercial gain as by health and tourism imperatives.

DOAM is a member of IFOAM, the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements and is presently working closely with the Dominica Bureau of Standards to ensure that production is compatible with international regulations. This is vital as we head towards international certification and the inspection process that precedes and accompanies organic certification.

Today, more than 26 million hectares of farmlands worldwide are certified organic and organic food and products currently generate more than US$25 billion in revenue annually. Respected market analysts have projected continual annual growth rates of 20% – 30% which suggests that organic production should be an essential and a crucial element of the overall agricultural diversification and modernization strategy for Dominica and the Eastern Caribbean.

For further information please contact the DOAM office at 265-8570 or visit our office at 14 Great Marlborough Street, upstairs on the corner of Kings Lane. Office hours are Tuesdays through Fridays, 11 am to 4 pm. Additionally information can be found on the DOAM website at www.doamdominica.org.