ORGANIC GROWERS AND CONSUMERS ASSOCIATION OF BARBADOS
HOW TO GO ORGANIC: EASY STEPS
As more people become aware of the benefits of organic farming and the associated higher value of organic food, the OGCA has recognised that to grow the sector and maintain the integrity of the organic ethic, there is a need to offer consumers a certified product. Its also a point for interested growers to achieve that they can differentiate their production methods and output from the conventional grower that is using synthetic chemical inputs. How is it done, What is required of the grower?.
Find out the basic principles about Organic Growing.
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1. No synthetic chemical inputs, whether Fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides.
2. Nourish the soil, not just the plant.
3. The soil is the primary growing medium
4. Diversify crops through rotation.
5. Enhance the environment
6. Enjoy
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There are several other related elements and most are based around these basic principles.
You can explore how to manage weeds through a variety of methods, including weeding with small equipment or hand tools, reducing moisture evaporation through mulching while creating a comfortable environment for soil based micro organisms to thrive. How to make compost and natural pesticides.
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Keep Clear Records
This is often one of the more challenging things to do when you are enjoying the experience. yet is crucial if you wish to have your farming methods certified. You can keep a simple diary or draft a wallchart or use a mobile app. Capture the main points.
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Draw a plan of your plot
list the inputs you use and the dates they were used.
Note where or how you got your seeds, mulch, fertiliser.
keep track of the areas on your plot where you plant various crops
Recall how you took care of weeds for each crop
How you took care of pests.
If you purchase an input keep a copy of the label.
Make a note of your harvest dates and quantities
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Inspection Process
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The OGCA has 4 trained organic inspectors thanks to a recent grant project, with another 4 inspectors that are locally based.
How it works.
The farmer fills out and submits a request and a compliance form which is supplied by the OGCA.
The OGCA assigns an inspector who will use your filled out form and your farm plan records to conduct a farm audit.
The inspector prepares a report which is submitted to the local authorising agency which is the Barbados National Standards Institute (BNSI)
A BNSI review comittee looks at the report and qualifies the process as meeting the international and local standards for organic certification.
A certificate of compliance is provided by the BNSI.
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