Nelly Bassily | February 9, 2009
The following stories from past editions of FRW also look at how organic certification can help farmers earn a premium for their crops:
– Patience for organic farming pays off (Issue#20, April 2008)
-“Cotton and shea producers satisfy Western taste for organic products” (Issue#9, February 2008)
These FRW news stories look at the revived of interest in organic fertilizer, caused by the rising cost of chemical fertilizers:
– “Farmers find manure a good substitute for expensive chemical fertilizers” (Issue#28, July 2008)
-“Rice bran can substitute for chemical fertilizer” (Issue#18, April 2008)
You may wish to research and broadcast a story about organic farming techniques practiced in your area:
-What methods of organically improving soil fertility do farmers find most effective?
-What organic methods of pest control do they find most effective?
-Have any farmers or farmers groups developed or tried a new organic farming technique? Would they recommend it to other farmers?
-Do extension officers or NGOs in the area promote organic practices? If so, what are their best tips for local farmers?
-Are there any certified organic farms in your area? What steps did the farmer or farmers take to obtain this certification? What expenses were involved? Where do they sell their produce? What impact has organic certification had on their profit margin?
You may also consider broadcasting one of the following scripts about organic farming techniques:
-“Farmers can earn income producing compost” (Package 80, Script 3, March 2007)
-“Kenyan farmer uses organic farming practices” (Package 75, Script 7, June 2005)
-“A fertility trench holds water in drylands” (Package 44, Script 1, April 1997)
-“Where to find compost materials” (Package 33, Script 9, July 1994)