Organic Farmer to Transition Land in Santiago

FrankLB · #1 08-28-2009, 04:37 PM

Dear All,

My family has land in the Santiago area that currently grows non-organic tobacco. We all know that this is a big NO-NO considering health and land issues; therefore, we would like to transition this same land to organic and grow non-tobacco related food or flora products for domestic or export markets. The farm is medium in size, so potential farmer will need to be fairly active in the transition process, and have a strong knowledge and experience in organic argriculture. Does anyone know of any farmers currently growing organic who would like to expand operations by increasing land mass under a cooperative venture. There is water, but no well has been drilled.

I realize this is a strange post, but one never knows where a bit of open communication can take you! This is my first post so, "Hello" to all.

FrankLB

mountainannie · #2 08-28-2009, 06:24 PM

I did a story on agriculture in Constanza last year and during the course of the research,I interviewed one farmer who was producing organic tomatoes in a greenhouse. He said he was only able to do this because he had other land, mountain land, from where he was able to get the fresh soil. He now has certification from the EU for his tomatoes.

Others can perhaps to speak to this better than I can but to actually bring the soil back from chemical to organic... from the way he was talking,... was going to be years if not a generational process. But you may be able to do some greenhouse production.

He was actually the head of the nation-s greenhouse growers association... I am sorry, I do not have his name, but you should be able to locate him through that association.

hope this helps

See, there is no end to the wonders of information that can be found at DR1

FrankLB · #3 08-28-2009, 06:35 PM

Deart M~A,

Thanks for your quick reply and good info. to start. As I understand it, it takes about three years to transition soil to organic, and during that process, you can sell your products as "Pesticide-Free" or "Transitional" so that land does not go uncultivated. I like the "Greenhouse" idea as a quick start program!

Thanks again for your kind comments! Yes, I now believe in the power of DR1!!!

Hillbilly · #4 08-28-2009, 06:51 PM

Generally speaking good tobacco land is in a very hot area, making greenhouse agriculture a bit of a challenge. But, go for it....You are right, agriculture is a very hands on issue, and not for everyone and certainly not for absentee owners...

Been there..

HB

Chip · #5 09-06-2009, 01:38 PM

I talked to my wife's cousin, a recent graduate of agriculture at the Univ in La Vega, and he knows about the organic farming inthe Cibao region. He says if you are going to be 100% organic that you will need to export the goods as there isn't enough demand yet here in the DR to make money. They have a system here that translates to sustainable organic farming whereby they use the bare minimum chemicals as possible. He has a full time job already working for an ag products company but I'm sure he can do some consultation if needed.

If interested, call Saolo at 809-454-7212 and tell him "Chi" sent you.

bearcat · #6 09-07-2009, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrankLB

Dear All,

My family has land in the Santiago area that currently grows non-organic tobacco. We all know that this is a big NO-NO considering health and land issues; therefore, we would like to transition this same land to organic and grow non-tobacco related food or flora products for domestic or export markets. The farm is medium in size, so potential farmer will need to be fairly active in the transition process, and have a strong knowledge and experience in organic argriculture. Does anyone know of any farmers currently growing organic who would like to expand operations by increasing land mass under a cooperative venture. There is water, but no well has been drilled.

I realize this is a strange post, but one never knows where a bit of open communication can take you! This is my first post so, "Hello" to all.

FrankLB

Frank,

I too am interested in organic farming and believe I have found a site for that process more important I have a book written on orgainc farming in a tropical enviroment that is great. It is not a how to but it gives you a point of the begining from there you can build. If you will send me your email I will send you the book for free.

I would forget the nea sayer sugesting that their is no market for organic foods in the DR we are going to market all our products at premium prices right here. The challege of marketing this product in this market is simply seeing the market with different eyes. Nothing more. When tour groups file up hospitals in this country because of poor food quauity food and preperation then you need not be a rhodes scholar to find your first customers.

This is a great country to make money in you simply must use common sense and see wtih differnet eyes.

I am not a consultant or looking for anything from anyone knowledge in priceless but useless unless it is shared and used.

Bearcat

FrankLB · #7 09-08-2009, 01:39 AM

Dear All,

I would like to thank all who offered their opinions, comments or advice; however, my wife's family has decided to continue on with non-organic farming for this next crop cycle, and will reconsider the option to go organic or greenhouse at a later date. I appreciate all your good ideas and offers, and will enlist help of DR1 loyalists again in the new year.

Thank you,
FrankLB