Workgroups » Working Group Natural Farming

The mission of working group Natural Farming is to spread knowledge about and to implement projects regarding the Ecological Contract (see Eternal Spring) with its two action points:

1. restore and improve soil fertility
2. restore and increase biodiversity

Therefore the working group organises sensitisation campaigns, participates at agriculture fairs and expositions, advises neighbourhood associations, professional growers and farmers, and co-operates with the national government and international organisations, as well as with community based organisations.

At the Training Centre La Rencontre, the working group provides guided tours, various courses and training programs in organic agriculture and natural farming.

For more information regarding advice, courses or trainings mailto: ecosystem@sr.net

Series of pictures:

• Training Centre La Rencontre (LRC)
  Click here for pictures
   
• West-Suriname (Apoera, Washabo)
  Requested by the Indigenous communities, this project aims to provide guidance during the transition from nomadic farming with “slash & burn”, towards sustainable methods for residential agriculture. Traditional Indigenous knowledge is included and adapted to the new, contemporary lifestyle. Main issues are time and energy saving methods which provide in high yields and a varied diet in the immediate environment of the dwellings. Look closely to the soils…
   
• Cabendadorp. Savannah area
  About half of the Indigenous population of Suriname resides and lives in the lean savannah girdle. Poverty and malnutrition / under nourishment are requiring problems. The working group supports the local population to convert the lean savannah soil into fertile kitchen gardens.
   
• Maize crop at Lelydorp
  Late ‘90 the farmer decided to convert his farm to organic agriculture. Production clearly increased – sometimes with 50 % – while external inputs and investments decreased drastically. More fertile soils are a lasting result.
   
• Agricultural Fair Kwatta March 2004
  Ecosystem 2000 is stealing the show with an exhibition of organic products. Jef Crab had the honour to be the keynote speaker during the opening of this national event. Jef spoke in favour of organic agriculture, social justice and fair market systems for farmers.
   
• Healthy food for disabled children
  Ecosystem 2000 supports layout and maintenance of organic gardens which supply antroposophic center Matoekoe daily with fresh vegetables. More than fifty physical and / or psychic children obtain their healthy and healing meal.