A new organic farming project promising to provide jobs while producing food and bio-feeds using “special holistic” methods is under way in Barbados.
And the community venture called Genesis Project Farm, which is projected to cost more than $300 000, has attracted financial support from the United Nations Development Programme’s Global Environment Facility’s Small Grants Programme.
The project, being undertaken in St Michael by a group called Zion House of Israel Temple, started a few months ago and is expected to continue into next year. It is expected to have an export component.
“The project seeks to establish an organic farm to satisfy existing international demand for wholesome organically grown foods, as well as bio products, using modern farming techniques. Its objectives are to produce at least $170 000 worth of food and bio-feeds per year using special holistic/organic methods, incorporating the use of climate smart technologies and alternative energy usage,” the project document stated.
“To utilise bio-feeds in fattening 25 animals (sheep and goats); and to build capacity for five employees, at least ten other members and 500 persons of the wider community in sustainable farming practices by direct training and use of electronic media.”
Those involved in the Genesis Project Farm also said employees “will acquire exposure to many advanced farming techniques”, namely organic farming and sustainable production.
They also said that “the farming techniques utilised during the project will be shared with the community, heightening their awareness of the risk of leaching synthetic herbicides and fertiliser into the cachment area.”
“The project mainly targets the Hebrew community and school children. The project demonstrates community involvement in the planning, implementation and evaluation phase. the level of community involvement increases during the implementation phase where persons act as volunteers and employees.”
“There is opportunity for the development of sustainable livelihoods. Genesis Project Farm will employ persons to operate various aspects of the farm.”
The UNDP agency has granted the project $99 172. The project document also said there was cash co-financing of $137 814 and co-financing in kind of $76 320.
