Organic Farmers Converge On EARTH University
The goal of the encounter is to improve research into organic agriculture, exchange knowledge and discuss ways to overcome challenges organic products face in the market, the statement said.
Organic agriculture is grown using only natural fertilizers, without pollutants such as insecticides and chemical fertilizers, making it more nutritious, more flavorful and safer for consumers and farmers, the statement said. Additionally, growing organically helps the environment by protecting soil, water sources and the atmosphere.
Participants in the conference, which runs through Wednesday, will attend hands-on lectures on organic farming techniques and participate in roundtable discussions on topics such as entering local markets and obtaining credit.
“There is a large need to train and prepare farmers of organics so they have successful experiences that allow them to be more competitive,” said Heiner Castillo, director of EARTH University ’s Integral Organic Program. “We need to demonstrate that social and environmental factors should not be sacrificed in favor of commercial objectives.”
Costa Rica does not take full advantage of the high demand for organic produce from U.S., Japanese and other international markets, said Miguel Castro, manager of the Production Ministry’s National Program for Organic Agriculture, according to the statement. One of the goals of the three-day conference is to boost the quantity of Costa Rican organic agriculture grown by training small farmers.
The event was organized by the Program for Organic Production Research and Technology Transfer, EARTH University, the Costa Rican Organic Agriculture Movement and the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization.
-Tico Times