Watch as a group of Indian villagers revert back from conventional farming methods to farming the way their forefathers farmed. They understand that by conventionally farming, they have put themselves in a treadmill situation, where each year, soil fertility goes down and consequently every year one must increase the amount of inputs going into the soil and subsequently increase costs.
By farming organically these farmers make more profits. As fertility is brought back into the soil the inputs will be lower. The farmers save money by eliminating fertilizers and pesticides as well as not having the cost of buying seeds. Then when they market their cotton the price of organic cotton is 8 – 15% higher compared to conventional cotton. This group being Fair trade receives a further 20 -30% consequently increasing the price more than 40%!
Through co-operation and joining forces to hire a marketing agent, organic farmers groups can negotiate the prices they want. No longer are these farmers at the mercy of the market forces. With regular communication farmers benefit from the umbrella organization, Ofarm who co-ordinate a pool of supplies to create market strength. Farming Secrets encourages all farmers tojoin together to compete against the market rather than against each other.
Hi to all our Farming Secrets members, organic and sustainable farmers, enthusiasts and any body in general with an interest in organic farming, sustainability and living in a better, cleaner and more natural world.
We have decided to launch a blog which reflects our interest and opinions on the things that matter most to us. We hope you will be a loyal subscriber and join our plight to promote all things organic and natural!
For more information about Helen and Hugo Disler’s farming club, visit www.farmingsecrets.com
