Organic Farming

CaribbeanOrganics.net is actively involved in organic agriculture research and practical organic farming activities. Our staff is always willing to assist farmers in the Caribbean Region to take steps in the right direction.

What is Organic Agriculture?

Organic Agriculture Market Information

Online Courses in Tropical Organic Agriculture Technologies

Organic agriculture is an agricultural system that promotes environmentally, socially and economically sound production of food, fiber, timber etc. In this system soil fertility is seen as the key to successful production. Working with the natural properties of plants, animals and the landscape, organic farmers aim to optimize quality in all aspects of agriculture and the environment.

Our introductory manual can be downloaded here:

1. Introduction
2. Principles of Organic Agriculture
3. Soil
4. Plant Nutrition
5. Organic Pest and Disease Management
6. Herbs
7. Practical and Educational School Gardening

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Organic Agriculture Market Information

Farmers’ reasons for adopting organic agricultural practices are often the same reasons consumers have for buying organic products. Both farmers and their customers know that organic farming methods that avoid synthetic pesticides and fertilizers and minimize pollution of soil, air and water, are good for the environment and produce food that is perceived as healthier. But beyond the benefit to the earth and its inhabitants, farmers also must consider another benefit before entering the organic world – the financial benefit. What about the bottom line? Independent of their environmental motives, farmers need sufficient financial returns, i.e. is it worth it?

Organic is the fastest growing food sector, in both land use and market size. Yet, official statistics are non-existent and global assessments are scarce. National statistics gatherers rarely recognize organic production as worthy of being reported separately. Organically produced commodities are not identified as such in international trade. Organic products consumed or marketed locally often are not submitted to certification. In addition, when there is no organic market, certified organic products sell as conventional produce and are not reported in organic data.

Global retail sales for certified organic products are estimated to reach US$23-25 billion in 2003, but no specific numbers exist for organic production, consumption, trade or prices. Organic agriculture’s share of food and beverage sales may be small, 1 to 2 percent, but its move from specialty food stores onto supermarket shelves, where up to 15 percent of some products in specific markets are organic, indicates the movement has mainstreamed. This increased exposure also forewarns the potential for multinational food companies and retailers to become major players in organic food supply, in terms of contracting production, supermarket offers and international trade. If they are to compete, small producers in developing countries need access to the required know-how for production, post-harvest handling and marketing, as well as to affordable certification systems. (FAO, 2003)

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