Boom year expected for organic movement

The Dominica Organic Agriculture Movement, Inc  (DOAM, Inc) is looking forward to the election of a diverse Board of Directors who are advocates for organic agriculture to take the organization through the new financial year.

The Movement’s Annual General Membership Meeting takes place on Thursday, September 2, 2010 at the Alliance Francaise on Elmshall Road, from 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

The new nine-member Board of Directors will be charged with

•    guiding the strategic plan and future programming.
•    ensuring and nurture adequate human and financial resources
•    hiring and evaluating of the executive director
•    monitoring and evaluating services and financial results
•    approving and systematically implementing policies to ensure achievement
•    preventing perceived, potential, or actual conflict of interest.

DOAM Secretary Donna Klarin says this is a particularly important year because of a number of initiatives due to be undertaken in 2010-2011.

“We are seeking members of the organic community to come forward and take a leading role. Most importantly, we have been advised that a major donor is willing to continue their funding of the movement, and the new Board of Directors will need to guide the strategic plan.  This is great news, and together with our selection for youth involvement programmes, means an exciting, dynamic growth year for organics on Dominica,” Klarin said.

DOAM is working with organic farmers to establish a local Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) which will put into place Dominica’s first organic domestic certification, with a logo which will allow consumers to have quality assurance when buying organic locally. There will also be training and advisory sessions for farmers conducted by FAVACA expert organic compost specialists during September and October.

Anyone involved or interested in organics is invited to attend the AGM which will not only feature the election of a new Board of Directors.  Reports on the health of the NGO, updates on work plan, and new opportunities for organic and transitional farmers will all be discussed. The afternoon will also feature updates on world organics, movies, and an ITAL Natural product showcase. Entertainment featuring Dr. Silk celebrating the Dominica organic farmer will bring the event to a close.

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

For further information please visit the DOAM website: www.doamdominica.org.

ABOUT DOAM

The Dominica Organic Agriculture Movement Incorporated (DOAM INC.) registered as a non-profit organization. DOAM INC. in 2006, has been formed by a cross section of stakeholders in the Organic food industry.

DOAM INC. seeks to co-ordinate programmes and activities for the holistic development of the local organic sector and assist various organic oriented organizations related to the sustainable development of the Industry in Dominica.

DOAM is convinced that adherence to the principles and practices of organic farming will enable organic farmers in Dominica to access and benefit from the profitable and expanding niche markets in organic foods domestically, regionally and internationally.

MISSION:
To produce agricultural commodities of optimum quality and quantity employing principles, methods and practices which protect and enhance the farm environment with particular regard to co-existing rather than dominating natural systems.

VISION:
To minimize pollution and damage to the environment through the maintenance or development of valuable existing landscape features and adequate habitat for wildlife with regard to endangered species and thus considering the wider social and ecological impact of agricultural production systems.

AIM:
DOAM INC. shall promote responsible organic production and appropriate use of local resources and indigenous knowledge, based on sound information about their properties and the opportunities for commercial pursuits.

The DOAM INC. aims to represent the common interests and lobby on behalf of its members in discussions with Government, Donor Agencies, Research Institutions, Local Hotels, and Supermarkets, etc in relation to research and developmental activities of the organic food industry within the Commonwealth of Dominica, at the regional and hemispheric level as well as at the international arena.