PRESS RELEASE: An Organic Farming Workshop hosted by the Salisbury Enhancement Committee (SEC) Inc. on April 29, was hailed an immense success. The session, attended by over 15 farmers from the community of Salisbury, was financed by a grant received from the European Union (EU) and the Government of Dominica funded SFA Framework for Agri-Business Development and Enterprise (FADE) Project.
Mr. Vernon Daniel facilitated the three-hour session, which covered areas such as organic pest control and the maintenance of soil fertility. He explained the importance of reducing the quantity of commercial chemical substances which are being employed on our Dominican farms, and displayed several natural alternatives for pest control and increasing soil fertility.
He stressed further the need for farmers to educate themselves on the effects that these chemicals may have in the long term, both on the quality of the land, and the quality and safety of the crops produced.
Mr. Al-Mario Casimir, the organic officer from the Ministry of Agriculture was also in attendance. He echoed the sentiments of Mr. Daniel, highlighting the situation in the neighbouring French islands, which use of banned chemical substances have since rendered their soil contaminated, and unable to maintain productivity.
He also expressed concern about the reputation being created among west coast farmers regarding the possible excessive use of weedicides, pesticides and fertilizers.
He explained that heightened efforts by the Ministry of Agriculture to educate farmers on organic options is evidence of the ministry’s commitment to seeing healthy and quality farm produce become the norm island wide. Mr. Casimir went on to commend SEC for their initiative in this regard.
At the end of the night’s session, the farmers present committed themselves to the formation of an organic farming group, which would in the short term seek to reduce their dependence on chemical substances. SEC offered to support efforts to seek further training opportunities for all the farmers involved.
On Wednesday, May 19, SEC will host a second session on Farm Finance Management, commencing at 5:00pm at the Salisbury Primary School. Registration for this session will close on Monday, May 17. For more information, you may visit the committee’s website, www.BawiLinkUp.com or call 767 277 0339 or 767 613 6300.
– Salisbury Enhancement Committee Inc.
I think it good educting the Dominican Farmers about organic farming. Am an organic farmer as well, from the village of Vieille Case, i enjoy organic farming and the high yields that is associated with this farming practise. i am fully educated about organic farming producing my own organic fertilizers, teas and pest remdies.
I am in the process of starting up an orgo ponic system where i could grow my crops under more controlled conditions with intent to produce high yield. I have already wrote a business plan and would like to share my ideas with u guys. To operate my small scale project i am in the process of seeking capital/ finance. contact # 612-1471
greetings,,, i think you have a beautiful island, and to keep it this way is to walk gentle on the lands, and stay away from the poisons in this world.. mostly in yur food and water,, keep it clean and pure for your grand children,, i would love to come and grow food on this island….organics,,,, it is the future,,,,, peace for all the people..
proud of SEC way to to go organic farming.
I am glad that there are people who cares about the what these herbicides and pesticides are doing to our food, land and health. I am a prefered organic food eater, and i am much healthier, since i moved to organic food. healthier, taste better. Congratulations to the people involve
Thanks to SEC for your continued involvement in community building. This dynamic team needs to be commended especially in this time …….
Can someone provide me with a listing of the young individuals who are taking care of my village whilst most of us have left. They all need to be recognized and encouraged to continue.
This was funded in part by the government of Dominica and yet the people of Salisbury want to vote for somebody who refuse to recognize the government of Dominica and represent them in Parliament!!
Hahahahahahahaha.
Once again SEC i am proud of you doing good work in the community.Hearts of to all the members of SEC………………………………….keep it up
Great use of the funds you received! Looking forward to the other workshop on Farm Finance. We know the funds we given for that specific purpose. Dont feel discouraged! Good job!
Very rewarding article, I wish I could be offered a chance to attend the next workshop or seminar or be receiving publications through Post since I’m starting up an organic farming for my familly, the school and the entire community.
Charles Oyugi.
Icipe,
P.O.Box 30,
Mbita- 40305,
Kenya.
Good deal. Keep it up island-wide. Ban those herbicides and pesticides. Keep these carcinogens off the island.