ORGANIC AGRICULTURE


Organic Agriculture Project

With financing from the USAID, FHIA has initiated work in the field of organic agriculture of fruits and vegetables. This project was created in response to the high demand for these products in the world market and whose prices exceed those of traditional products.

The project's goal is to increase the economic level of small farmers and coops by motivating them to grow organic products that are exported and help conserve the environment.

This project initially will focus on developing seven organic products that have been identified as having good export markets available and the production potential of local producers and coops.

The two critical factors regarding organic agriculture relate to soil fertilization and pest / disease control.

FHIA will develop and test production technologies and handling techniques to be employed in organic farming by small to medium sized producers who wish to grow and market organic products. One of the main objectives of the project will be to become quality certifiers of methods, areas and processes of the chosen products. The selected crops are:

The organic agriculture centers will be established in at least five areas of the country: La Esperanza, Comayagua, Yojoa, Leán & La Masica; whose areas will be expanded as organic farming techniques becomes known. The project's goals are to establish at least 50 hectares and seven new products grown by 35 to 50 producer groups that would involve some 1,000 individuals. By the project's end, FHIA hopes to have established and running a program of producing and marketing organic products and that the producers have acquired enough experience and knowledge of international organic markets that they would be able to continue on their own without FHIA's assistance.

For Additional Information, Contact the Agricultural Section at:
Tel: +(504) 668-2078, Fax: +(504) 668-2313.

E-mail dinvest@simon.intertel.hn