Organic Agriculture Movement Set To Unveil 'Green Village'

THE JAMAICA Organic Agriculture Movement (JOAM) intends to make its presence felt and seen in a tangible way at the annual Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show where it will unveil its 'Green Village'.

The 'green village' is a concept centred on highlighting organic farming and other activities showcasing greening activities.

The group, which copped the 2012 award for sustainable agriculture at the recent Jamaica Environment Trust Environmental Action Awards ceremony, will use the opportunity to present a working model of its, "vision for a different Jamaica". However, to make this a reality, JOAM is seeking the participation of individuals and companies to buy into the concept and use the village to showcase their products and activities in presenting this different face of agriculture.

Chair of JOAM Dorienne Rowan-Campbell offered some insight into the green village: "We are in the process of organising a children's learning and activity area; a greening-issues centre with speakers, videos and musicians; a showplace for the winners of the Jamaica Environment Trust's Schools Awards; a kitchen sponsored by Cameron Industries, where we will invite people to buy and sample organic foods, and a 'green smith' who makes agro-processing machinery using recycled materials."

She is optimistic that each visitor to the village will leave with a positive impression of the organic lifestyle. After entering, they will travel along a trail, with the first stop being a model farm where composting, crop rotation, nursery management, water harvesting and beekeeping will be among the activities on show.

The next stop is a five-booth area where JOAM members from the various regions will showcase their produce and work. In Westmoreland, the Bluefields organic group has been working with the Rural Agricultural Development Authority to develop sorrel wine and sorrel jam, while in St Thomas they have been working on lemon grass by-products such as soaps.

The next stop is the activity area which will have two sections, and the idea is that persons should be able to engage in discussions on topical issues and leave enlightened. Another section will have a kitchen where organic produce will be prepared.

Rowan-Campbell explained that the range of interactive and other activities will cater to every age group: "This section leads to a meet-and-greet gazebo by a pond, where persons can share the organic lifestyle.

Organisers of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) have promised a special show this year, which runs from August 4-6 with a range of activities in keeping with the celebration of Jamaica's 50th year of Independence.

To display your produce in the JOAM village at Denbigh 2012 or learn more, contact Roy Page by calling 390-5382, or email atjoma@joamltd.org or check out the website at www.joamltd.org.

christopher.serju@gleanerjm.com

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