The recommendations of the specific Roundtables are summarized below:
Roundtable 1: Developing national organic standards and complying with those of importing countries
This working group was facilitated by Mr Bo van Elzakker, AgroEco/IOAS Consultancy. He opened the discussions with an introduction. Suggestions and recommendations offered included:
Why National Standards?
Consumer confidence: locally (resident consumers and tourists) and in the export market
Protection of producers
Regulates the sector and encourages production
Defines common denominators:
farm practices and consumer interests or preferences
processes/systems description or product standards
different systems (and therefore defines the baseline acceptance for imports)
product/name (terminology) and therefore provides protection for its use
Legitimizes organic agriculture (and facilitates production, especially with respect to the importation of inputs and the support from government)
Provides equivalence, but with appropriate independence as standards developed are specific to the particular environment
Provides a forum for communication and consensus. (There is also an education component in seeking to achieve a common understanding)
Process of Developing National Standards
This is a continuing process of development→ revision→ monitoring. The steps are:
Identification and meeting of relevant stakeholders including - small and large producers, businesses, NGOs, research organizations, government and representatives of consumer groups
Development of an institutional framework; including the identification of a coordination institution with the required resources of time and money to facilitate the process
Development of an approved format
Identification of realistic priority areas
Participatory formulation of draft (including testing, compliance and IFOAM1 involvement)
Notification
Final approval
Revision
Private vs. Public Standards
Government regulates public standards
Private standards are regulated by the sector itself
It is possible to have private standards alongside existing public standards, similar to the UK Soil Association. In this way the local organic organization maintains some control through the IFOAM accredited tool with which the integrity of the word 'organic' is preserved.
Avenues for Assistance with Standards Development
FAO - through cooperation with governments on local projects
ITC - for private sector marketing
CTA - training, etc.
CDE - technical assistance for the setting up of companies
USAID - in promoting organic products
Other organizations that can also help:
GTZ (German Agency for Technical Cooperation)
BioLatina
Related Issues
The development of national standards is one point in a long development process. It must be a part of a national programme or strategy.
Legislation also needs implementation and monitoring mechanisms
The stakeholders must be identified and involved in the development of national standards; the commercial and not-for-profit sector should be involved first before there is government involvement.
National standards should be revised every two years. Stakeholders must also be involved in the revision process.
There is no need to start from zero:
It is possible to start creatively and then compare with what exists, but this is problematic.
It is also possible to translate existing standards and accept them without amendment, but this is not 'ownership'.
Final comments
National standards must:
SUPPORT ORGANIC AGRICULTURE
BE USER FRIENDLY
BE SEEN AS AN OPPORTUNITY, NOT AS A BARRIER
Roundtable 2: Organic production: a fundamental change in farming methods?
This roundtable was moderated by Nadia Scialabba, Secretary of the FAO Working Group on Organic Agriculture, who presented an introduction on “Prospects for Organic Agriculture.” Mr Rick Morris, The Compost Farm, United States, gave a presentation on the composting of organic waste from natural resources entitled: “Creating an Island Industry: Composting of Organic Waste from Natural Resources.”
Members of this roundtable participated in a brainstorming session to identify key issues to be addressed. The group then split into three thematic groups to discuss: (i) technology development; (ii) smallholders concerns; and (iii) institutional matters and the ecosystem approach. The results of each group discussions converged on recommendations for: information, research, training and policy support for the development of organic agriculture.
Group 1. Technology development
The status of organic agriculture should be established at the national level in order to determine the feasibility of the sector and to provide a baseline for future action as well as for monitoring progress. These surveys should cover: type of organic products; quantity of produce by commodity; information on both domestic and international markets; financing opportunities; and available inspection and certification. Such surveys could be launched and coordinated by IICA, CTA or FAO.
Results of national surveys of the organic industry should be aggregated at subregional and regional levels by an international institution. These surveys should be used by the concerned regional/subregional institutions to identify precise research and development agendas. CARDI and/or UWI could be responsible of the Caribbean-related research agenda. Within subregions, required activities should be executed by existing subregional experts and institutions, such as CARDI, UWI, CABI, IICA, etc. New organic research agenda, and their inevitable implication on the expanded mandates of the involved institutions, should receive explicit recognition by ministries of agriculture because political support is of key importance.
Efforts should be made to upgrade/reform extension services offered by the ministries of agriculture to include holistic training approaches and organic agriculture techniques. Non-governmental and farmers' organizations have a lot to offer in this process. FAO, CTA or CABI could assist in promoting private-public collaboration on organic agriculture training. Training should be provided to farmers, extension workers and technicians, as well as facilitation of farmer-to-farmer exchanges within and between countries. For example, Cuba, Dominican Republic and Costa Rica have experiences to share.
Group 2. Smallholders concerns
Most farmers in the Latin American and the Caribbean region are smallholders with less than 20 acres. In order to improve their organic production, they need to have access to organic inputs, technical assistance and relevant extension services, as well as to general rural infrastructures and suitable land tenure regimes.
Small farmers could benefit from the establishment of a model farm, which is well connected to local organic outlets such as hotels, groceries and supermarkets. Such a model farm would constitute an important government incentive to farmers seeking to convert to organic agriculture or to improve their systems.
Land systems which are managed organically enhance environmental goods and services which can contribute to income-generation through eco-tourism and, consequently, to rural development.
With a view to strengthening small farmers' self-reliance, education should take a holistic approach. Information and networking should be encouraged. Training should target specific small farmers' problems and build on traditional wisdom and knowledge.
Group 3. Institutional arrangements and the ecosystem approach
There is a need to pool all existing information on organic agriculture in a regional or subregional facility. A suitable information centre such as CABI could house technical information on organic agriculture, such as: organic management of soils, biological plant protection and interactions within agro-ecosystems.
Research, backed-up with adequate funding, should focus on generating new knowledge on the following aspects of organic agriculture: contribution to biodiversity; ecological services; non-economic benefits (environmental, social) and pest and diseases control.
The capacity of national and regional laboratories facilities should be strengthened to develop adapted technologies and appropriate biological control agents, as well as to provide quality assurance systems at national level.
Specific areas for human resource development are already clear. There is need to assess different institutions' capacities to impart organic agriculture education and training. Research, capacity building and development projects should give priority to recruiting regional and local experts. FAO and CABI could coordinate such activities.
Recommendations
I. ORGANIC AGRICULTURE INFORMATION
Identify a regional centre that will be entrusted to identify information needs, gaps and mechanisms for disseminating information on organic agriculture. CABI would be a suitable organic agriculture resource centre for the Latin American and Caribbean Region;
Undertake feasibility studies on the status, potential and limitations of organic agriculture in each country. This baseline information is necessary to identify areas of research and action. FAO, CTA or IICA could assist in launching and coordinating these studies.
Focus attention on the needs of small farmers and operators and promote the development and dissemination of information relevant to their conditions;
Raise awareness and advocate the potential contribution of organic agriculture to rural livelihoods and ecosystem services;
II. ORGANIC AGRICULTURE RESEARCH
Identify, and equip, an existing regional/national research centre that will be entrusted to develop context-specific organic technologies, including, among others, organic agriculture inputs such as biocontrol agents;
Focus organic agriculture research on understanding ecological processes of key importance to biodiversity, soil fertility, plant protection and agro-ecosystem productivity;
Develop an organic research agenda that integrate grassroots needs and traditional knowledge. The research potential of the CARDI, CABI, IICA and UWI should be enhanced to cater for organic agriculture needs;
Support institutions wishing to broaden their mandate to include organic agriculture and support them with adequate funding.
III. ORGANIC AGRICULTURE TRAINING
Develop a holistic approach to training by designing curricula that take into account agronomic, environmental, economic and social parameters influencing choices of different organic cultivation methods;
Strengthen capacities of smallholders with appropriate training and experience - sharing through workshops, documents and visits within and between countries;
Upgrade the expertise of local human resources and extension services and promote twinning arrangements between institutions dealing with organic agriculture in developed and developing countries. FAO and CABI could facilitate this process;
Establish a model organic farm that can assist with replicating experiences in production and marketing of organic produce and services, such as landscape and eco-tourism.
IV. SUPPORT TO ORGANIC AGRICULTURE
Establish a network, which can provide guidance towards ways and means to secure funding, technical assistance and political support. FAO, IICA and CABI could play a major role in creating a support mechanism that would bridge organic operators with governments, the donor community and institutions outside the region.
Roundtable 3: Establishing local organic certification systems in Latin America and the Caribbean: achieving cost-effectiveness and reliability.
This working group was facilitated by Gunnar Rundgren, President, IFOAM and explored the issue of organic certification.
Certification systems
It was noted that certification comes at a relatively high cost. In some countries of Latin America, such as Argentina and Guatemala produce sold to local markets have to meet the same certification requirements as those meant for export.
Regional Certification
This group agreed that regional certification could have several advantages, including a more effective use of resources, economies of scale, cost savings, potential for brand identification on a regional basis, enhancements of regional markets and possibilities for lobbying jointly. A key point of the discussion was that, despite the fact that many of the participants seemed to call for regional rather than national organic standards and certification systems, such a regional agreement would face a number of difficulties including: (i) language barriers; (ii) national politics; (iii) the period of time taken to conclude final negotiations on those standards compared to a national system; (iv) wide differences in the stage of organic development among countries; and (v) the fear that such rules would end up being the lowest common denominator.
However, they expressed the view that regional certification can be secured based on training programmes, standards writing and by tapping resources otherwise not available to national programmes.
The Role of Government
It was stated that legislation is not necessarily a priority. What governments need to do is provide a good infrastructure, extension support, research aids and a good policy framework for the organic sector to flourish. It was felt that governments can also tap into overseas aid from various donors. What is highly important is a dialogue between organic producers and national governments.
Assistance to the Sector
The organic sector needs to become better organized to take advantage of external sources of finance and advice. IFOAM, CDE and CTA are among those which might provide such assistance, in terms of finance, training and through publications.
Roundtable 4: Exporting organic products: post-harvest operations, conservation and transport
This working group was facilitated by Dr Majeed Mohammed, Professor, UWI. Mr Daniele Giovannucci, World Bank Consultant gave a presentation on the “Impact on Organics and New Certification Strategies: The Role and Characteristics of the Coffee Market.”
Recommendations:
I. ESTABLISH DATABASES
Compile a list of common problems and experiences in the area of post-harvest technology for organics. This will form the basis for additional research. Organize once a year, regional stakeholders to resolve post-harvest problems in priority organic products such as: bananas, citrus, mangoes, papaya, avocado, nutmeg and pineapple.
II. PLANNING AND RESOURCES
Organic production needs to include the costs of producer education regarding the market and its needs. The organic system has to be creative in meeting these needs.
There is a need for convergence among producers, consumers and regulatory entities regarding social, economic and environmental issues where all stakeholders seek possible common denominators. Food safety could also fall among these key issues.
III. MARKET RESEARCH
The reliability of the buyer, importer and distributor needs to be determined. Some system is needed to verify and qualify these groups so that the producer does not deal with the unknown.
Regional certification standards can be developed even if products only fit individual niches or specific niche markets.
Round table 5: Domestic markets: an option for organic products in Latin America and the Caribbean?
This working group was facilitated by Dr Andrea Brechelt, Dr in Agrarian Science, Fundación Agricultura y Medio Ambiente, Dominican Republic. Ms Kristina Taboulchanas, International Development Research Centre, gave a presentation on “Exploring Potential Markets for Cuban Organic Produce in Local Tourist Resorts: A Preliminary Study.”
Introduction
For several years, the production and marketing of organic products have been geared solely towards exports. The objective of this working group was to discuss whether the local market could be an interesting and profitable option for organic products.
Deficiencies
A farmer producing a product under special conditions automatically needs a secure market with better prices. Since the majority of producers of organic vegetables and fruits for the national market are small and not well organized, this problem cannot be easily resolved, due to the following deficiencies:
Products are not sufficient to warrant special marketing, distinct from that of conventional agricultural products.
Since there are practically no cooperatives of producers, supply is very unstable and seasonal.
In many countries adequate technology has not yet been put in place.
There is no national scientific research, nor are there any trained technicians in this area.
The presentation of organic products is often inferior.
There are no intermediaries specializing in this market.
Unreliability and lack of professionalism.
Farmers demand excessively high prices.
Resolving this marketing problem is of great importance, because one cannot expect farmers to continue making extra efforts without reaping additional benefits. For them, the advantages of reduced risks of pollution and the effects of their form of production on the environment cannot take priority in an environment in which the farmer generally has to fight for survival on a daily basis. There is a high level of competition from imports of agricultural products and this leaves little flexibility with respect to this decision.
Possibilities
On the other hand there are several very positive possibilities, which must be seriously considered with respect to marketing organic products on the local market. These possibilities are as follows:
Direct producer-consumer contact.
Better prices for the producer.
One of the few possibilities which the small producer has for the future.
Healthy foods for the national consumer.
Possibility of increasing health and environmental awareness of both the producer and national consumers.
Recommendations
In order to improve the situation and to overcome the deficiencies, the following should be envisaged:
I. AT THE LEVEL OF THE PRODUCERS:
Organize organic producers into cooperatives.
Set fair prices and only deliver fresh and high quality products.
Zonal planning of production by section.
Organize transport independently or by means of intermediaries.
Establish regional collection centres.
II. AT ORGANIZATIONAL LEVEL:
Incorporate organic agriculture into the curriculum of universities with schools of agriculture.
Establish a quality control system (national organic seal).
Put in place the necessary infrastructure.
Establish national standards for organic production (Organic Law).
Make arrangements with supermarkets for special sale of organic products.
Set up promotional campaigns through the media.
In order to meet the demand of supermarkets, it is necessary to involve more farmers in organic production. However, of utmost importance would be the establishment of a group of institutions or a company e.g. “National Cooperative for the marketing of Organic products” which would be responsible for assisting farmers in marketing their products, providing transport, maintaining contacts with supermarkets and organizing promotional activities. Such is the role which exporters play in the international market. Experiences of other countries (e.g. Costa Rica) have demonstrated that the process of developing both supply and demand in a balanced manner is a long and complicated one, but it is possible.
Strategic Elements for Consideration by Countries that Seek to Export Organic Vegetables and Fruit: The Case of Central America
Presenter:
Mr Pedro Cussianovich, IICA Representative in Costa Rica
Central America is a region which, given its natural characteristics and area, is closer to the Caribbean than most countries of the South. Organic production in this region has been developing since the late 1980s, especially through initiatives by small farmers supported by some NGOs and cooperation agencies. For various reasons, at their own expense and risk, they have managed to master the technique and in some cases carry out successful export experiences.
In Central America there are currently more than 43 000 farms under organic production. Their average size is under five hectares and there are regions such as Peten, in Guatemala, where mostly indigenous farmers have on average less than half a manzana* (0.7 ha). The main export products are still coffee, cocoa and bananas; nevertheless, there is a strong trend toward diversification.
Levels of progress in organic production are not equal in this region. However, there is a clearly visible presence of NGOs and cooperation agencies working on this theme in the countries, especially in activities to support marketing, training, legislation, organization, funding and certification. The state is notoriously absent in the process of development of organic production, which explains why this activity is not more dynamic. Nevertheless, in some countries a certain level of decision-making and involvement has been attained.
Costa Rica, for example, has a National Organic Agriculture Programme. Through this programme, a participatory national strategy has been taking shape and this has allowed the organic movement to become more visible. Diagnostic processes have led to the development of an Action Plan which has made it possible for policy proposals in support of this activity to be made and adopted by institutions in the sector. Currently a more encompassing policy proposal is being developed, together with a strategy definition to strengthen trade in organic products. National meetings have also been held and farmer training is being provided for farmers to transform their farms. Extension workers in this sector are also being trained.
Since 1996, Costa Rica has had a set of rules and a national system for accreditation and for oversight of certifying agencies, managed by the Office of the Director of Plant Health at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. Its regulations have been assessed by a mission of the Office of the Director General of Consumer Protection and Health of the European Commission and a recommendation has been made for the country to be recognized by the European Union as a “third country”. It is important to note that this legislation has been shared with other Central American countries and this has helped make the process of developing legislation in each of them more dynamic.
In Honduras there are no specific policies for organic production; however, there is a growing interest by authorities of the National Agriculture and Livestock Secretariat (SAG) in supporting its development. A National Committee on Organic Agriculture has been set up in this country to develop a legal framework for organic production and the National Organic Agriculture and Livestock Raising Programme has been created to promote this activity. An office in charge of “organic products” was established in the year 2000 under the Department of Generation at the Office of the Director of Agricultural Science and Technology (DICTA) and the Plant Diagnostic Department of the National Agricultural Health Service (SENASA), so as to regulate aspects pertaining to the use of inputs in production.
In Guatemala, despite the fact that there is no institutional involvement by the government, a public-private National Committee on Ecological Agriculture was created by a Ministerial Decree in December 1999 to work on draft legislation. Recently, agricultural sector authorities have shown greater interest in participating more decisively in organic production.
Belize is probably the country where the authorities have most clearly decided to support this activity; however, experiences in organic production are few and very recent. Belize has a National Coordinator for organic production, a national association bringing together the various actors involved in the organic movement (the Belizean Organic Product Association - BOPA), and draft legislation on this activity prepared in a participatory manner and coordinated by BOPA.
El Salvador, Nicaragua and Panama are the countries where the agricultural sector authorities are least involved; however, we must note that a significant level of awareness has led some institutions in this sector to undertake initiatives which contribute to the development of this activity. For example, organic production has been included in the research agenda of the offices of the directors of research institutions in these countries. Subsidies have also been created to develop organic production projects, as in the case of Panama where US$150 000 was appropriated for this purpose by Law #25. In the aforementioned countries, with the exception of El Salvador, there are private sector initiatives, involving public officials, working on draft rules for organic production. Panama is the only country in the region which has an association of consumers of organic products (VACURU) and, even though production in this country is just beginning, small amounts of these products can be found in some supermarkets.
While day-to-day organic production techniques become less of a limitation in Central America and make it possible for organic production to expand, in recent times there has been a recurrent concern among producers who face serious difficulties in gaining access of their products to international markets. This concern often turns into frustration when they find no alternatives in local markets; local markets are just beginning to develop in this region. This concern is based on general issues such as:
While there are exports from the region, there is no clearly-defined trade strategy.
Exports are the result of various sorts of initiatives:
Individual exports - businessmen with their own resources.
Brokers and companies who buy products.
Producers' organizations - brokers buy from them and/or act as middlemen.
Organic products are usually outside the value chain.
There are no local markets, but rather points of sale, or marketing experiences.
Most organic farmers sell their products in conventional markets.
The growing frustration of producers due to limited possibilities of placing their products in organic markets led IICA, in coordination with a number of cooperating institutions, NGOs and producers' organizations, to conduct a seminar-workshop to identify guidelines for the construction of a regional strategy for trade in organic products.
For purposes of structure the seminar-workshop was divided into two major areas: International Markets and Local Markets. One conclusion clearly coming out of this activity and based on the characteristics of organic production in the region is that a strategy cannot be defined exclusively to promote exports if local markets are not addressed at the same time.
This conclusion is not only due to strong interrelations and correspondence among variables affecting exports of organic products and those affecting the development of local markets, but also to the limitations of small farmers themselves to leap toward exports on a short-term basis. Local markets are an option for small organic farmers, who are in the majority, to attain sustainability in this activity and as a learning experience to then export.
According to participants in the seminar-workshop, the main limitations which hinder further development of organic product exports are in six basic areas: Legislation, certification, organization, production, information and communication and trade.
The following are the main problems identified in the case of Central America. They affect both exports and the development of local markets.
Legal basis and Certification:
Lack of legislation in the countries to establish norms for this activity.
Each country/continent has its own laws which are different and make it difficult for Central American countries to comply with requirements.
In some countries there are no national certifiers.
Where national certifiers do exist, they face difficulties entering the markets due to lack of recognition and trust in the foreign countries.
Dependency on international certifiers.
High cost of certification for the local market.
Several different certifications are required, depending on the market.
Costs are high (certification for producers and accreditation under international ISO 65 standards for the certifying agency).
Organization:
Geographic dispersion of producers.
Low level of organization of small farmers restricts access to markets (planning of planting, aggregate supply, strategic alliances, bargaining power, receiving services, etc.).
Weak management abilities.
Unconsolidated organic movements (policies).
There are no consumers' organizations.
Production:
Lack of technical assistance in all areas (“chemical culture”).
Low volumes.
Quality and uniformity are not in accordance with market requirements.
Unstable frequency - seasonality.
Limited diversity.
Inappropriate post-harvest handling (packaging).
Differentiation and appearance (packaging, seals, labels).
Little value added (processing).
Plant protection problems during production and storage.
Information and communication:
Scattered information.
Little information on and knowledge of international market opportunities (trading and import firms, market niches, trends, etc.).
Little information on potential export supply of organic products from the region (products, timing, producers, countries).
Little information on local markets (supply and demand).
Little information on what is being done elsewhere (production, research, markets, legislation, etc.).
Lack of information and education for consumers and those responsible for purchasing and points of sale in supermarkets.
Limited dissemination of organic production as a whole.
Trade (marketing):
Few points of sale.
Irregularity of demand.
Limited diversity and volume.
Quality requirements.
Undefined prices.
Uncertainty of supply to the supermarket by supplier.
High cost of operation and differentiation in connection with low volumes.
Space allocation (confuses consumers).
Inadequate handling of the product at points of sale diminishes quality.
Un-“educated” consumers (consumers choose the lower-priced product).
Little space allocation for products in supermarkets.
Limited government support.
Difficulties in managing appropriate export logistics.
Long distances limit delivery of quality product to final destination.
Plant protection measures.
Time for delivery (quality).
In light of the above and given the number of factors that restrict both the export of organic products and the development of local markets, overcoming these limitations will clearly require coordination of all efforts, as well as participation by many individuals, institutions, NGOs, cooperating agencies and others. However, it is possible to identify five strategic variables that with interrelated management, should provide some, but not all the necessary conditions for the development of both markets and the activity as a whole.
Two of these variables are structural and require more active involvement by governments: the development of institutional and policy frameworks and the establishment of legal technical-normative frameworks. The other three: organization, information, training are cross-cutting variables which must come together and be managed at all levels in this activity. Each of these five strategic elements or variables will now be discussed briefly.
Institutional and policy frameworks
Organic production has the same requirements and demand for services as conventional production: technical assistance, research, obtaining and transferring technology, laboratories, irrigation, training, information, funding, incentives, market development, access to land and land tenure, among others.
Since it is not possible to duplicate existing institutional structures to support this activity, it is necessary for the countries to at least establish national organic production programmes, or similar structures entrusted with coordinating and facilitating its promotion.
Resources should be allocated to these programmes and they should have the authority required to strengthen coordination and/or institutional actions in the various areas mentioned above. Special attention should be paid to promoting producers' organizations, establishing information systems in support of decision-making, providing whatever training is required by producers and, primarily, professional and technical workers in the sector.
National programmes or whatever structures are set up must foster policy, action plans and strategy proposals, developed in a participatory manner involving actors in organic activities and based on realistic appraisals. Once these proposals have been studied and approved by decision-makers, they should be binding for the agricultural sector of each country. They will also make the development of this activity become more dynamic through coordination and facilitation of actions and services provided by the state in this area.
Legal and technical-normative frameworks
Organic activities require clarity in legislation, with technical and legal norms regulating production, processing and marketing of products. That legislation must also regulate registration of economic agents; certification, accreditation and operation of certifying agencies; and organic product import procedures, among others.
Legislation developed so far in some countries of the region and that which is under separation are basically consistent with that of the European Union, since this region's was the first to be enacted. Besides being a model, that legislation requires recognition of the equivalence of new regulations adopted in other countries to facilitate direct access of products to European markets. Ensuring consistency with legislation in countries that are considered important trade partners, such as the United States, should be taken into consideration by countries which already have legislation and those which are in the process of enacting legislation.
However, few countries currently have legislation with respect to organic production, and therefore organic activities have to refer to norms set by international certifying agencies, which in turn are linked to those of the main international markets.
The absence of legislation in the countries has not only generated dependence on the international certifying agencies, thereby making certification more expensive, but it has also limited the development of this activity and its markets. Many farmers are not familiar with regulations in force for organic production; there has been a proliferation of “bio” products that put this activity at risk. In instances where there are local markets, these are not certified and there are therefore no guarantees for consumers.
The task of establishing legislation and rules for organic production cannot be postponed. To carry out this process, a recommendation is made to set up National Committees in the countries, which must include representatives from the state and actors involved in the organic movement. The legislation to be enacted should strike a balance between issues pertaining to development of domestic and external markets; it should be prepared in a participatory manner with the actors involved; it must be based on dissemination and discussion with these actors and it should foster recognition among countries and its equivalence with existing regulations in the markets of major trading partners.
Implementation of legislation requires the setting up of an institutional structure which should be independent of the structure to promote this activity, so as to ensure transparency. However, national programmes should play an active role in the process of developing the proposals, by providing opportunities for participation of the various actors. The responsibilities of this institution will include, among others, those of registering and accreditation of certifying agencies; registration of certified economic agents; following up on and oversight of compliance with regulations; carrying out audits, as well as disseminating this information among economic agents involved in this activity.
Organization at the various levels of organic production
With few exceptions, there is an absence of organizational capability among persons involved in organic production at all levels in Latin America and the Caribbean. When organizations do exist, there is likelihood that they have limited entrepreneurial vision and poor management capabilities.
This lack of organizational structures and entrepreneurial capabilities within the organizations is a serious obstacle to the development of organic production. This is so not only from the standpoint of production and trade, as it limits possibilities of receiving services, exchanging experiences, consolidating production and attaining economies of scale in various activities. There is also an absence of legitimized structures representing organic production in various spheres of competence, defining plans and strategies, negotiating with authorities for the development of policies and the seeking solutions to problems that arise.
While the shortcomings of the existing organizations require different types of organizational structures, as an immediate response, it is important to promote the development of at least three types of organizations in the countries:
- An operational structure that fosters the organization and integration of producers into first- and second-level structures, to facilitate the receiving of support services from the state and the private sector and to add to and homogenise production for direct marketing to domestic and international markets.
- A second, representative type of organization that promotes national integration of all the actors involved in organic production (producers, processors, traders, researchers, government, NGOs, supermarkets, consumers, etc.) in a legitimized structure of the organic movement. Through coordination of actions, this structure should support efforts to promote the activity, represent its interests and unify criteria, as well as long-term strategies.
- A third type of structure should bring consumers of organic products together in a national organization, so as to foster the development of local markets through the establishment and consolidation of a sustained demand for organic products.
To carry out any of these initiatives clearly requires a body responsible for facilitating the process, and here national programmes to promote organic production should play a major role. Training in management to help strengthen the organizational structure is important in any effort to promote the organization of the actors involved, whether they are producers, processors, traders, consumers, or others.
Information Systems
Information is scarce and scattered for all aspects of organic activities and when it does exist, access is difficult. This restricts its use in the decision-making processes. It is in the hands of the producers, researchers, traders, NGOs, technical workers, inspectors and certifying agencies, who occasionally share it, but generally it is not disseminated enough to foster enhanced dynamics in organic activities.
While some efforts have been made in Latin America and the Caribbean to do the groundwork for computerized data systems to collate information, and these are significant contributions, the truth is that such efforts are limited in terms of reaching persons who do not have access to these technologies. Consumers, who are important actors in the development of this activity, are also left out.
From this standpoint, an initiative for countries to address this issue should clearly promote information systems that include ways to make information more systematic, collate and disseminate it. They should also designate an agency responsible for coordinating this task. The various users should have ready access to these systems, which should allow interactions among the actors involved.
The systems to be set up should contain useful information on production, processing, trade, markets (domestic and international) and existing regulations, as well as information pertaining to this activity, whether technical, legal, service-related or other information that might interest the various users and especially consumers.
Together with this initiative, there is a need for information and education programmes through the mass media, so as to promote organic products and their benefits among the public. This should have an impact on the establishment and consolidation of demand for these products. Such actions must include a strategy to involve the media in activities carried out by the organic movement.
A complementary strategic component to attain a multiplier effect should be the design of information and education programmes for grade- and secondary-school students, who are the main agents for change in consumption habits and the development of an awareness at the home.
Training
As an activity that has been re-discovered in recent times, there are many gaps in knowledge about organic production. Despite producers' technological progress, there is a strong demand for training in organic production and this surpasses institutional capabilities, even though many such demands are basically the same as those for conventional production. The establishment of a national training programme in this productive activity cannot be postponed.
In addition to dealing with the limitations of institutional response to the need for training as in conventional agriculture, organic production has the additional problem of a lack of institutional capability to satisfy a type of demand - especially in the area of production - for which professional and technical workers were not prepared. Therefore, the main efforts of a national training programme, at least in its initial stage, should focus on training professional and technical workers in the agricultural sector, so they can have a multiplier effect as agents of change.
Producers' demand for training shows that actions in this regard should concentrate primarily on farm transformation, management, production planning and agro-industrial processing and without restricting them to these areas. Training programmes in connection with trade should enhance producers' familiarity with how the market functions and with regulations and should also emphasize aspects of marketing and markets, such as: quality, safety, post-harvest handling, packaging and transportation and contractual relations, among others, as well as the organization and management of marketing.
Identification, systematization and the use of successful experiences carried out by economic agents involved in organic production activities will be very useful to support training exercises. Insofar as resources are available, horizontal training programmes should be established, so as to expand horizons of knowledge through other countries' experience.
Finally, curricula of higher agricultural education should be modified to ensure the continued availability of technical assistance by professional and technical workers for organic production. This would involve new courses and, as far as possible, open new career programmes to promote organic production.
Sunday, 7 October 2001
1400-1800 Registration
Day 1
Monday, 8 October 2001
0800 Registration
0900 Welcome remarks by Chairman
- FAO: Mr David W. Bowen, FAO Representative in Trinidad and Tobago
Greetings
- IICA: Dr H. Arlington D. Chesney, Director, Caribbean Regional Centre and Representative in Trinidad and Tobago
- CDE: Mr Gary Aylmer, Head, Caribbean Field Office
- CTA: Ms Isolina Boto, Deputy Head, Seminars and Studies Department
- CABI Bioscience: Dr Moses Kairo, Director
Feature Address
- Senator Dr The Hon. Jennifer Jones-Kernahan, Minister for Food Production and Marine Resources
Vote of Thanks
- Mr Swallay Mohammed, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Food Production and Marine Resources
1000 Coffee break
1. The World Markets for Organic Fruit and Vegetables: current situation and prospects
Chairman: Paul Pilkauskas, Senior Commodity Specialist and Pascal Liu, Commodity Specialist, FAO, Italy
1015 The markets in Europe
Speaker:
- Paul Pilkauskas
1100 The US market
Speaker:
- Rudy Kortbech-Olesen, Senior Market Development Adviser, ITC, Switzerland and Tim Larsen, ITC Consultant, United States of America
1130 The Japanese market
Speaker:
- Bart Vrolijk, Agricultural Trade Specialist, FAO, Italy
1145 Discussion
1230 Export market opportunities for countries of the Latin America/ Caribbean region
Speaker:
- Bas Schneiders, International Sourcing Manager, Weleda AG, Germany
1300-1430 Lunch break
2. Market Access Issues: Standards and Regulations
Chairman: Rudy Kortbech-Olesen
1430 Standards and guidelines for organic production, processing, labelling and marketing
θ Organic standards in importing countries: differences and similarities
Speaker:
- Gunnar Rundgren, IFOAM President, ex-member of the Standard Committee, Sweden
q USDA's national organic rule
Speaker:
- Jim Riddle, Director, Program Development, National Organic Program, USDA, United States of America
1600 Coffee break
1615 Regulations for the importation and labelling of organic foods in the European Union
θ Certification requirements in the main markets: current and future requirements
q Different approaches to certification equivalence
q Accreditation of certification bodies
- Bo Van Elzakker, Director, AgroEco/IOAS, The Netherlands
1645 Discussion
1800 End of Day 1
Day 2 Tuesday, 9 October 2001
3. Producing and Exporting Organic Horticultural Products in Latin America and the Caribbean
Chairperson: Judith Ann Francis, Regional Coordinator (CARIFRUIT), IICA, Trinidad and Tobago
0830 Overview of organic agriculture in Latin America and the Caribbean
Speaker:
- Pipo Lernoud, IFOAM Representative for Latin America, Argentina
0900 Producing organic horticultural products in Latin America and the Caribbean
q Assessing the profitability of converting to organic farming. Key parameters to analyse
q Economic analysis of organic vs. conventional production in Cuba, Costa Rica and Spain
Speakers:
- María del Carmen Pérez, Director, IACNET, Cuba
- Pedro Cussianovich, Representative, IICA, Costa Rica
- Pascal Liu, FAO
1030 Coffee break
1100 Producing organic horticultural products (continued)
q Potential benefits and constraints
q New techniques and inputs
Speaker:
- Laura Montenegro, Director, Argencert, Argentina
q Challenges and opportunities for pest management in organic systems
Speaker:
- Jim Waller, CABI Bioscience, United Kingdom
1200 Discussion
1300-1430 Lunch break
4. Establishing an Organic Export Sector
Chairman: Mr Gunnar Rundgren
1430 Country case studies: lessons learnt and success factors
q Trinidad (Joan Petersen, Organic Agronomist, CARDI)
q Argentina (Laura Montenegro, Argencert)
q Chile (Bart Vrolijk, FAO)
q The Dominican Republic (Moses Kairo, CABI)
q Uganda (Bo Van Elzakker, AgroEco/IOAS)
1600 Coffee break
1615 Discussion
1645 Sources of information and possible technical assistance in Latin America and the Caribbean
q Sources of information and extension needs for organic production
Speaker:
- Robert Taylor, Content Manager (Animal Sciences) CAB International, United Kingdom
q Presentation of the IICA Agri-entrepreneur distance learning course on organic horticulture and electronic network
Speaker:
- Francois Dagenais, Representative IICA, Barbados
q Technical assistance from FAO, CTA, CDE and ITC
Speakers:
- Nadia Scialabba, Secretary of the Working Group on Organic Agriculture, FAO, Italy
- Isolina Boto, Deputy Head, Seminars and Studies Department, CTA
- Henriette Acquah Dodet Malenge, CDE, Belgium
- Rudy Kortbech-Olesen, Switzerland
1800 End of Day 2 Programme
Day 3 Wednesday, 10 October 2001
Roundtable 1 - Developing national organic standards and complying with those of importing countries
Moderator: Bo Van Elzakker, AgroEco/IOAS
Roundtable 2 - Organic production: a fundamental change in farming methods?
• Meeting farmers needs for information on organic production systems
• Building and maintaining soil fertility in tropical countries
• Control of pests and diseases
Moderator: Nadia Scialabba, FAO
Creating an island industry: composting of organic waste from natural resources - Presenter Rick Morris, Owner, The Compost Farm, United States of America
Roundtable 3 - Establishing local organic certification systems in Latin America and the Caribbean: achieving cost-effectiveness and reliability
Moderator: Gunnar Rundgren, IFOAM
Roundtable 4 - Exporting organic products: post-harvest operations, conservation and transport
• Conservation and storage
• Processing organic products (e.g. dried fruits)
• Shipping organic products to remote markets
Moderator: Majeed Mohammed, Senior Lecturer, Department of Food Production, University of the West Indies
Impact on organics and new certification strategies: the role and characteristics of the coffee markets - Presenter: Daniele Giovannucci, World Bank Consultant, United States of America
Roundtable 5 - Domestic markets: an option for organic products?
Moderator: Andrea Brechelt, President, Exproeco C.por, Dominican Republic
Exploring potential markets for Cuban organic produce in local tourist resorts: a preliminary study - Presenter: Kristina Taboulchanas, Research Associate, International Development Research Centre, Cuba
1200-1330 Lunch break
1330 Roundtables (continued)
1530 Coffee break
1600 Concluding Session
1600 Roundtable Recommendations
1645 Market opportunities and challenges for countries of Latin America and the Caribbean
Speaker:
- Paul Pilkauskas, FAO
1700 Strategic elements for consideration by countries that seek to export organic vegetables and fruit: the case of Central America
Speaker:
- Pedro Cussianovich, IICA
1800 End of Conference
1830 Social evening hosted by the Ministry of Food Production and Marine Resources
DAY 4 Thursday, 11 October 2001
Field visit
A Forum for Business Contacts
Africa
CAMEROON
Mr Jean-Martin Tetang
General Manager
Export Agro Sarl
BP 4524 Douala
Tel: (237) 37.45.07; 70.68.65
Fax: (237) 37.45.07
Email: [email protected]
Asia
MALAYSIA
Mr Khairuddin Md Tahir
Chief Executive Officer
International Tropical Fruits Network (TFNET)
Box 334, UPM Post Office
43400 Serdang, Selangor
Tel: (603) 8941-6590
Fax: (603) 8941-6591
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.mardi.my/TFNET
Caribbean
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
Mr Albert Fredericks
Marketing Officer
Central Marketing Corporation
P.O. Box 439
St John's
Tel: (268) 462-2569
Fax: (268) 462-4723
BARBADOS
Dr Gene Pollard
Regional Plant Protection Officer
Multidisciplinary Team
Sub-Regional Office for the Caribbean
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations (FAO)
6th Floor - Tom Adams Financial Centre
P.O. Box 631-C
Bridgetown
Tel: (246) 426-7110/7111 (Ext. 247)
Fax: (246) 427-6075
Email: [email protected]
Dr Lystra Fletcher-Paul
Integrated Natural Resources Management Officer
Multidisciplinary Team
Sub-Regional Office for the Caribbean
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations (FAO)
6th Floor - Tom Adams Financial Centre
P.O. Box 631-C
Bridgetown
Tel: (246) 426-7110/7111 (Ext. 254)
Fax: (246) 427-6075
Email: [email protected]
Mr Richard B. Knight
Chief Executive Officer
Barbados Agricultural Development and
Marketing Corporation
Fair Valley
Christ Church
Tel: (246) 428-1743
Fax: (246) 428-0152
Email: [email protected]
Dr Francois Dagenais
Representative in Barbados and Coordinator of
the Distance Learning Centre for Rural
Development
Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture
P.O. Box 705
Bridgetown
Dalmeny, Pine Hill, St Michael
Tel: (246) 427-4740/4721/4722
Fax: (246) 429-3509
Email: [email protected]
Ms Lynda Seon
Export Business Advisor
Caribbean Export Development Agency
P.O. Box 34B, Brittons Hill
Mutual Building
Hastings, Christ Church
Tel: (246) 436-0578
Fax: (246) 436-9999
Email: [email protected]
CUBA
Sr. Arnaldo Correa
Asesor
Instituto de Investigaciones en Fruticultura
Tropical
Avenida 7ma No. 3005 Entre Calle 30 y 32
Miramar, Playa
La Habana 11300
Tel: (537) 2093585
Fax: (537) 246794
Email: [email protected]
Dra. María del Carmen Pérez Hernández
Director
Instituto de Investigaciones de Citricos y otros
Frutales
Avenida 7ma No. 3005 Entre Calle 30 y 32
Miramar, Playa
La Habana 11300
Tel: (537) 2093585
Fax: (537) 246794
Email: [email protected]
Sr. Luis Germán Morales
Jefe Grupo de Agricultura Orgánica
Instituto de Investigaciones de Citricos y otros
Frutales
Avenida 7ma No. 3005 Entre Calle 30 y 32
Miramar, Playa
La Habana 11300
Tel: (537) 2093585
Fax: (537) 246794
Email: [email protected]
Srta. Esther Lilia Peralta Garcia
RIAC Cuba - Centro Nacional de Sanidad
Agropecuaria
Código Postal 11600
La Habana
Tel: (537) 2093585
Fax: (537) 246794
Email: [email protected]
DOMINICA
Mr Kervin Stephenson
General Manager
Dominica Banana Marketing Corporation
Vanoulst House, P.O. Box 1620
Roseau
Tel: (767) 448-2671/2277
(767) 235-2043 (Cellular)
Fax: (767) 448-6445
Email: [email protected]
Mr Lloyd Pascal
Market Development Officer
Direct Trading
Dominica Export Import Agency (DEXIA)
Bay Front, P.O. Box 173
Roseau
Tel: (767) 448-3494/3495/2780
Fax: (767) 448-6308
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.dexiaexport.com
Mr David Lang
Director
ESPWA
William, P.O. Box 2071
Roseau
Tel: (767) 446-1702/1703
Email: [email protected]
Mr Manley James
Agronomist/Team Leader
Ministry of Agriculture and the Environment
Government Headquarters
Roseau
Tel: (767) 442-2401
Fax: (767) 448-8444
Mr Joseph Peltier
Board Member
Nature Island Pineapple Producers' Association
Stock Farm
Roseau
Tel: (767) 448-8182
Fax: (767) 448-2308
Ms Roseanna Nelson
Member
Giraudel Horticulture Group
Windward Islands Farmers' Association (WINFA)
Giraudel
Roseau
Tel: (767) 448-3150
Fax: (767) 448-2308
Email: [email protected]
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Mr Gary Aylmer
Head
Caribbean Field Office
Centre for the Development of Enterprise
Calle 6, No. 10 Ensanche Paraiso
Santo Domingo
Tel: (809) 683-4772; 375-0581
Fax: (809) 375-0581
Email: [email protected]
Sr. Evelio Cabrera
Project Manager
Agriculture and Natural Resources
United States Agency for International
Development (USAID)
Embajada de los Estados Unidos de América
Pedro Henríquez Ureña #133
Edificio Reyna 1, Tercer Piso
Santo Domingo
Tel: (809) 227-0110 (Ext. 253)
(809) 710-1480 (Cellular)
Fax: (809) 732-9403
Email: [email protected]
Ing. Agr. Amable Ulises Montás
Presidente
Capítulo Agricultura Orgánica
Colegio Dominicano de Ingenieros Arquitectos y
Agrimensores (CODIA)
Padre Billini No. 58, Zona Colonial
Apdo. Postal 1514, Santo Domingo
Tel: (809) 687-8275/8168/8198/6835
(809) 563-6677 (Ofic); 520-0620 (Pager)
Fax: (809) 689-9604
Email: [email protected]
Home Page: www.codia.org.do
Sr. Cristobal Astacio
Director Ejecutivo
Fundación Dominicana Para el Desarrollo el Café
de Calidad, Inc (FUNDOCCAFE)
C/Rafael Augusto Sánchez, Eng. Lope de Vega
Plaza Intercaribe, Suite 602-E
Santo Domingo
Tel: (809) 412-2679; 476-6739
Cel: (809) 519-5657
Fax: (809) 412-2679
Email: [email protected]
Sr. Odelys Jimenez
Departamento de Sanidad Vegetal
Secretaría de Estado de Agricultura
Santo-Domingo
Tel: (809) 553-3804
Fax: (809) 553-3804
Email: odelys_01hotmail.com
Dra. Andrea Brechelt
Presidente
Exproeco C.por
Fundación Agricultura y Medio Ambiente
Apartado Postal 21064 (Huacal)
Calle Leonor Feltz N0 40, Mirador sur
Santo Domingo
Tel: (809) 482-0561
Fax: (809) 482-0561
Email: [email protected]
Sr. Gustavo Armando Gandini
Presidente
Asociación Dominicana de Agricultura Orgánica
Apartado Postal 1175
Santiago
Tel: (809) 247-5575
Fax: (809) 247-5585
Email: [email protected]
Dr Santiago Castillo P.
CITREX Dominicana, S.A.
Cayetano Germosen #66
Jardines del Sur
Santo Domingo
Tel: (809) 535-6935
Fax: (809) 535-2402
Email: [email protected]
Sr Isidoro de la Rosa
Presidente
Confederación Nacional de Cacaocultores
Dominicanos Inc. (CONACADO)
Apt. Postal No. 3904
C/Transito Dominicano #1
Piedra Blanca, Haina
Santo Domingo
Tel: (809) 541-8333; 542-8406/7
Fax: (809) 542-3441
Email: [email protected]
Sr Dios Vigildo Uceta
Sub-Director Ejecutivo
Consejo Dominicano del Café (CODOCAFE)
C/o Damirón esq. Jimenez Moyo
Centro de los Héroes
Santo Domingo
Tel: (809) 532-9358; 533-0186
(809) 350-3190 (Cellular)
Fax: (809) 535-3894
Email: [email protected]
Sr Ulrich Findel
Coordinador Centroamerica y el Caribe
BCS Öko-Garantie GmbH
Av. José Contreras No. 66 Zona Universitaria
Santo Domingo
Tel: (809) 532-3532
Fax: (809) 532-3556
Email: [email protected]
Sr Pilar Emilio Ramírez
Coordinador, República Dominicana
BCS Öko-Garantie GmbH
Av. José Contreras #66, Zona Universitaria
Santo Domingo
Tel: (809) 532-3532
Fax: (809) 532-3556
Email: [email protected]
Mr Rigoberto Diaz Gonzales
Vice-President
Productos Biológicos Domincanos (PROBIO S.A.)
Av. Abraham Lincoln #468
Plaza Franceca Suite No. 217
Tel: (809) 227-0939
(809) 299-0364 (Cellular)
Fax: (809) 732-4848
Email: [email protected]
Sr José Bienvenido Carvajal Madina
Fundación Moscoso Puello
Santo Domingo
Tel: (809) 566-4898
(809) 594-2632 (Residence)
Fax: (809) 567-9622
Email: [email protected]
Sr Ramon Alberto Roa
Program Associate
Entrena S.A.
Rafael P. Bonnelly #2 E.M.
Santo Domingo
Tel: (809) 563-1180
Fax: (809) 563-1171
Email: [email protected]
Sr Miguel Ant. Melo
Americo Melo & Company
Anacaona N° 14. Apartado N° 49
Tel: (809) 524-2440/5757
Fax: (809) 524 2587
Email: [email protected]
Sr Oded Heffes
Import/Export Manager
Fenix Trading
8357 Billini #3. Altos de Arroyo Hondo
Santo Domingo
Tel: (809) 378-0392
Fax: (809) 378-0398
Email: [email protected]
GRENADA
Mr John Viechweg
Marketing Manager
Grenada Marketing and National Importing Board
Young Street, P.O. Box 652
St George's
Tel: (473) 440-1791/1792/0911/0914
Fax: (473) 440-4152
Email: [email protected]
Mr Daniel Lewis
Executive Chairman
Grenada Banana Cooperative Society
Scott Street
St George's
Tel: (473) 440-2473/2486
Fax: (473) 444-4799
Email: [email protected]
Dr Malachy Dottin
Research Director
Ministry of Agriculture
Botanical Gardens
St George's
Tel: (473) 440-2708/3088
Fax: (473) 440-4191
Email: [email protected]
Mr Cecil Winsborrow
Chief Agronomist
Ministry of Agriculture
Botanical Gardens
St George's
Tel: (473) 440-2708/3088
Fax: (473) 440-4191
Mr Roland Courtney
Field Inspector
Grenada Co-perative Nutmeg Association (GCNA)
Lagoon Road, P.O. Box 160
St George's
Tel: (473) 440-2117/2714/2217
Fax: (473) 440-6602
Email: [email protected]
GUADELOUPE
M. Claude Vuillaume
Encargado de Cooperación
Département des Productions Fruitères et
Horticoles Centre de Coopération Internationale
en Recherche Agronomique pour le
Développement (CIRAD)
Station Cirad de Neufchâteau
97130 Capesterre Belle Eau
Tel: (590) 86.17.59/86.30.21
Fax: (590) 86.80.77
Email: claude.[email protected]
Mr Joseph A. Toribio
Plant Pathologist
Unité de Recherches en Productions Végétales Domaine de Duclos (INRA Centre Antilles-Guyane)
97170 Petit-Bourg
Tel: (590) 25.59.28/25.59.45
Fax: (590) 94.11.72
Email: [email protected]
GUYANA
Mr Lachman Dasrat
Agronomy Manager
Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GUYSUCO)
LBI Estate, East Coast Demerara
Tel: (592) 22-06807/02261
Fax: (592) 22-04027
Email: [email protected]
Dr Harold Davis
Agriculture Director
Agricultural Research Centre
Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GUYSUCO)
LBI Estate, East Coast Demerara
Tel: (592) 22-06807/02261
Fax: (592) 22-04027
Email: [email protected]
Dr Patrick Chesney
Technical Manager
Cocoa Project
Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on
Agriculture
18 Brickdam, Georgetown
P.O. Box 10-1089
Tel: (592) 22-68835/68397
Fax: (592) 22-58358
Email: [email protected]
Mr Dalchand Lakhan
Research Assistant
Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on
Agriculture
18 Brickdam, Georgetown
P.O. Box 10-1089
Tel: (592) 22-68835/68397
Fax: (592) 22-58358
Email: [email protected]
Mr Benedict Dias
Chairman
Mabarama/Hosororo Organic Cocoa Growers'
Association (MHOCGA)
C/o Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on
Agriculture
18 Brickdam, P.O. Box 10-1089
Georgetown
Tel: (592) 22-68835; 777-5080
Fax: (592) 22-58358; 777-5080
Email: [email protected]
HAITI
M. Jean-Maurice Buteau
President
JMB S.A. Mango Export
Rt National 41
Impass, Cazeau
P.O. Box 13483
Port-au-Prince
Tel: (509) 250-5985
Fax (509) 250-5942
Email: [email protected]
Dr Joel Ducasse
President & General Manager
Bio-Récolte S.A.
C/o El Rancho Hotel
Impasse des Hotels Pétion-ville
P.O. Box 71
Port-au-Prince
Sabre UI 1832
Tel: (509) 257-0396
Fax: (509) 257-4134
Email: [email protected]
Mrs Elisabeth Silvéra-Ducasse
Managing Director
El Rancho Hotel
Impasse des Hotels Pétion-ville
P.O. Box 71
Port-au-Prince
Tel: (509) 257-2080/2082/2083
(509) 257-2084/4926
Fax: (509) 257-4134
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.elrancho.inhaiti.com
M. Paul Duret
173, Avenue Jean Paul II (Turgeau)
B.P. 2129
Port-au-Prince
Tel: (509) 244-0735
Fax: (509) 244-0735
Email: [email protected]
JAMAICA
Dr Percy Miller, Jr.
Secretary/Manager
Citrus Growers' Association Limited
P.O. Box 80, Bog Walk Post Office
Saint Catherine
Tel: (876) 708-2052/2053
Fax: (876) 708-2051
Email: ville[email protected]
Mrs Janet Conie
Director of Research
Banana Export Company Limited (BECO)
1A Braemar Avenue
Kingston 10
Tel: (876) 978-5758; 978-8762/8763
Fax: (876) 978-6069
Email: [email protected]
Dr Joseph Lindsay
Senior Director
Research and Development Division
Ministry of Agriculture
Hope Gardens
Kingston 6
Tel: (876) 983-2267
(876) 969-3448 (Home)
(876) 791-1451 (Cellular)
Fax: (876) 983-2822
Email: [email protected]
Mr Vitus Evans
Chief Executive Officer
Jamaica Agricultural Development Foundation
(JADF)
17 Ruthven Road
Kingston 10
Tel: (876) 929-8090/8092
Fax: (876) 929-8093
Email: [email protected]
Ms Sheila J. Heaven
Manager
Corporate Affairs
Jamaica Agricultural Development Foundation
(JADF)
17 Ruthven Road
Tel: (876) 929-8090/8092
Fax: (876) 929-8093
Email: [email protected]
Mr Markus Braun
Farmer/Director
Jamaica Organic Agriculture Movement (JOAM)
Lambs River Post Office
Westmoreland
Tel: (876) 997-5068
Fax: (876) 997-5068
Email: [email protected]
Mr Andrew Mighty
Market Research Officer
Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO)
35 Trafalgar Road
Kingston 10
Tel: (876) 929-9450/9461
Fax: (868) 960-8082/8041
Email: [email protected]
MARTINIQUE
Mr Alain Soler
Agronomist
Centre de Coopération Internationale en
Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement
(CIRAD-FLHOR)
Route de Moutte, 97202
Fort-de-France
Tel: (596) 71.92.01
Fax: (596) 63.07.24
Email: [email protected]
NEVIS
Mr Lloyd Lescott
Director
Nevis Island Administration
Pinney's Estate
Charlestown
West Indies
Tel: (869) 469-5521
Fax: (869) 469-0672
Mr Keithly Amory
Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Housing,
Cooperatives and Fisheries
Nevis Island Administration
Prospect Estate
P.O. Box 644
Tel: (869) 469-5521
Fax: (868) 469-1698
Email: [email protected]
Ms Muriel Emontine Thompson
Farmer
Brown Hill Village
St John Parish
Tel: (869) 469-5871
Email: [email protected]
ST KITTS
Mr Kenroy Johnson
Farmer
Newland Housing Development
New Road Housing
P.O. Box 1334, St Peters
Basseterre
Tel: (869) 466-2521 (Ext. 1130)
(868) 466-7060 (home)
Email: [email protected]
SAINT LUCIA
Mr Donal Pierse
Business Development Director
Windward Islands Banana Development and
Exporting Company (WIBDECO)
P.O. Box 115
Castries
Tel: (758) 452-2411
Fax: (758) 453-1638
Mr Eardley Barrett
Manager
Certification Unit
Windward Islands Banana Development and
Exporting Company (WIBDECO)
P.O. Box 115
Castries
Tel: (758) 452-2411
Fax: (758) 453-1638
Mr German Cadavid
Manager
Organic Banana Development Programme
Windward Islands Banana Development and
Exporting Company (WIBDECO)
P.O. Box 115
Castries
Tel: (758) 452-2411
Fax: (758) 453-1638
Mrs Joan John-Norville
Acting Deputy Director of Agricultural Services
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries
5th Floor, Sir Stanislaus James Building
Waterfront
Castries
Tel: (758) 468-4103
Fax: (758) 453-6314
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.slumaffe.org
Mr Erasmus Alfred
President
St Lucia Fresh Produce Exporters Association
P O Box 1416
Castries
Mr Michael Augustine
General Manager
St Lucia Marketing Board
P.O. Box 441
Castries
Mr Vincent La Corbiniere
Marketing and Production Officer
St Lucia Rural Enterprise Project
P.O. Box CH2C, La Fargue, Choiseul
Tel: (758) 459-3966/3967
Fax: (758) 459-3965
Email: [email protected]
ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
Mr Clairmont Cordice
Produce Manager
St Vincent Marketing Corporation
P.O. Box 872
Upper Bay Street
Kingstown
Tel: (784) 457-1603
Fax: (784) 456 2673
Email: [email protected]
Mr Clive Bishop
St Vincent Marketing Corporation
Upper Bay Street
P.O. Box 872
Kingstown
Tel: (784) 457-1603
Fax: (784) 456 2673
Email: [email protected]
Ms Hella Lipper
Fair Trade Manager
Windward Islands Farmers' Association
P.O. Box 817
Kingstown
Tel: (784) 456-2704
Fax: (784) 456-1383
Email: [email protected]
Mr Sylvester M.R. Vanloo
Assistant Operations Manager
St Vincent Banana Growers' Association
C/o P.O. Box 10, Sharpe Street
Kingstown
Tel: (784) 457-1605
Fax: (784) 456-2585
Email: [email protected]
SURINAME
Mr Gerrit Breinburg
Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and
Fisheries
Letitia Vriesdelaan, 10
Paramaribo
Tel: (597) 476887
Fax: (597) 470301
Email: [email protected]
Ms Soesila Ramautar
Research Division
Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and
Fisheries
Letitia Vriesdelaan
Paramaribo
Tel: (597) 476887
Fax: (597) 470301
Email: [email protected]
Mr S.W. Esajas
Advisor
Stichting Agrarische Ontwikkeling Binnenland
Coppenamestraat 117
Paramaribo
Tel: (597) 463062
Fax: (597) 483170
Email: [email protected]
Mr Anand Ramkisoensing
Agronomist/Production Manager
EcoAgro Suriname
Kankantriestraat 9
Paramaribo
Tel: (597) 400030
(597) 08867273 (Cellular)
Fax: (597) 400030
Email [email protected]
Mr Hesdy Omskerk
Fruit Crop Specialist
Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on
Agriculture
Cultuurtuinlaan
Oude directeurswoning Boven
P.O. Box 1895
Paramaribo
Tel: (597) 410861
Fax: (597) 410722
Email: [email protected]
Mr Arnold Lifo Sjoe
Deputy Director
Agriculture Department
SURLAND
Jarikaba
Tel: (597) 328074/328175
Fax: (597) 328015
Email: [email protected]
Mr David W. Bowen
FAO Representative
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations (FAO)
134-138 Frederick Street
P.O. Box 822
Port-of-Spain
Tel: (868) 625-0467/0468; 623-5175
Fax: (868) 623-0995
Email: [email protected]
Dr H. Arlington D. Chesney
Director, Caribbean Regional Centre and
Representative in Trinidad and Tobago
Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on
Agriculture
3 Herbert Street
St Clair
Tel: (868) 628-4403
Fax: (868) 628-4562
Email: [email protected]
Mr Bobb Nahram Ramnanan
Assistant to the Director
Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on
Agriculture
3 Herbert Street
St Clair
Tel: (868) 628-4403
Fax: (868) 628-4562
Email: [email protected]
Ms Judith Ann Francis
Regional Coordinator (CARIFRUIIT)
Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on
Agriculture
3 Herbert Street
St Clair
Tel: (868) 628-4403
Fax: (868) 628-4562
Email: [email protected]
Dr Moses Kairo
Director
CABI Biosience
Caribbean and Latin American Centre
Gordon Street
Curepe
Tel: (868) 645-7628; 662-4173
Fax: (868) 663-2859
Email: [email protected]
Mr Perry Polar
CABI Biosience
Caribbean and Latin American Centre
Gordon Street
Curepe
Tel: (868) 645-7628; 662-4173
Fax: (868) 663-2859
Email: [email protected]
Mrs Indra Furlonge-Kelly
Director
Horticulture Services Division
Ministry of the Environment
Botanic Gardens, Cotton Hill
St Clair
Tel: (868) 628-3092
Fax: (868) 622-9131
Email: [email protected]
Mr Lloyd Gellineau
Agricultural Officer
Ministry of the Environment
Botanic Gardens, Cotton Hill
St Clair
Tel: (868) 628-3092
Fax: (868) 622-9131
Email: [email protected] (in care of)
Dr George Bala
Plant Pathologist
Agricultural Research Division
Ministry of Food Production and Marine
Resources
St Clair Circle
St Clair
Tel: (868) 622-1221/1222/1223/1224
Fax: (868) 622-4246
Email: [email protected]
Ms Cynthra Persad
Deputy Director
Agricultural Research Division
Ministry of Food Production and Marine
Resources
Central Experiment Station
Centeno, Via Arima Post Office
Arima
Tel: (868) 642-6008
Fax: (868) 646-1646
Email: [email protected]
Mr Simon Bedasie
Agronomist
Agricultural Research Division
Ministry of Food Production and Marine
Resources
St Clair Circle
St Clair
Tel: (868) 622-1221/1222/1223/1224
Fax: (868) 622-4246
Email: [email protected]
Mr Ian Fletcher
Agricultural Officer I
Regional Administration North
Ministry of Food Production and Marine
Resources
St Clair Circle
St Clair
Tel: (868) 622-1221/1222/1223/1224
Fax: (868) 622-4246
Email: [email protected]
Ms Sheryll Ramroop
Agricultural Officer I
Regional Administration North
Ministry of Food Production and Marine
Resources
St Clair Circle
St Clair
Tel: (868) 622-1221/1222/1223/1224
Fax: (868) 622-4246
Email: [email protected]
Ms Merle Seedial-Ramjit
Agricultural Officer I
Extension, Training and Information
Services Division
Ministry of Food Production and Marine
Resources
St Clair Circle
St Clair
Tel: (868) 622-1221/1222/1223/1224
Fax: (868) 622-4246
Email: [email protected]
Ms Chandrawti Kissun-Ali
Agricultural Officer I
Agricultural Services Division
Ministry of Food Production and Marine
Resources
St Clair Circle
St Clair
Tel: (868) 622-1221/1222/1223/1224
Fax: (868) 622-4246
Email: [email protected]
Ms Cindy Rampersadsingh
Ag. Senior Project Analyst II
Agricultural Planning Division
Ministry of Food Production and Marine
Resources
St Clair Circle
St Clair
Tel: (868) 622-1221/1222/1223/1224
Fax: (868) 622-4246
Email: [email protected]
Ms Charmaine Lewis
Agricultural Officer I
Regional Administration South
Ministry of Food Production and Marine
Resources
Princess Town
Tel: (868) 655-7526/5637/3428
Fax: (868) 655-7526/5637/3428
Email: [email protected]
Ms Gaynell Andrews
Planning Officer I
Agricultural Planning Division
Ministry of Food Production and Marine
Resources
St Clair Circle
St Clair
Tel: (868) 622-1221/1222/1223/1224
(868) 622-5953/7473
Fax: (868) 622-8762/4246
Email: [email protected]
Mr Kent Villafana
Manager
Cocoa and Coffee Industry Board
27 Frederick Street
Port-of-Spain
Tel: (868) 625-0289; 627-4172
Fax: (868) 627-4172
Email: [email protected]
Mr Everard Byer
Chairman
Trinidad and Tobago Organic Agricultural
Movement
P.O. Box 1229
Port-of-Spain
Tel: (868) 627-8217
Fax: (868) 623-0895
Email: [email protected]
Mr Richard Aching
Technical Director
Trinidad and Tobago Organic Agricultural
Movement
P.O. Box 1229
Port-of-Spain
Tel: (868) 627-8217
Fax: (868) 623-0895
Email: [email protected]
Mr Vassel Stewart
Marketing and Quality Assurance Specialist
Caribbean Agricultural Research and
Development Institute
P.O. Box 212
University Campus
St Augustine
Tel: (868) 645-1205/1206/1207/8121
Fax: (868) 645-1208
Email: [email protected]
Mrs Joan Petersen
Organic Agronomist
Caribbean Agricultural Research and
Development Institute
P.O. Bag 212
University Campus
St Augustine
Tel: (868) 645-1205/1206/1207/8121
(868) 645-3573; 8120/1
Fax: (868) 645-1208
Email: [email protected]
Ms Lynette Francis
Project Technician
Organic Systems Development
Caribbean Agricultural Research and
Development Institute
P.O. Bag 212
University Campus
St Augustine
Tel: (868) 645-1205/1206/1207/8121
(868) 645-3573; 8120/1
Fax: (868) 645-1208
Email: [email protected]
Ms Shamela Rambadan
Graduate Assistant
Organic Systems Development
Caribbean Agricultural Research and
Development Institute (CARDI)
P.O. Bag 212
University Campus
St Augustine
Tel: (868) 645-1205/1206/1207/8121
(868) 645-3573; 8120/1
Fax: (868) 645-1208
Email: [email protected]
Ms Veronica Simon
Executive Secretariat
Caribbean Agri-Business Association (CABA)
3 Herbert Street
Port-of-Spain
Tel: (868) 628-4403
Fax: (868) 628-4562
Email: [email protected]
Dr Musa Mohamed
Manager
Research and Development
Caroni (1975) Limited
Waterloo Road
Carapichaima
Tel: (868) 673-2730
Fax: (868) 673-0373
Email: [email protected]
Mr Nigel A. Grimes
Sugarcane Agronomist
Research and Development
Caroni (1975) Limited
Waterloo Road
Carapichaima
Tel: (868) 673-0027/0028/0029
Fax: (868) 673-0037
Email: [email protected]
Ms Bibi Ali
Biocontrol Scientist
Research and Development
Caroni (1975) Limited
Waterloo Road
Carapichaima
Tel: (868) 673-0027/0028/0029
Fax: (868) 673-0373
Email: [email protected]
Mr Samaroo Dowlath
Chief Executive Officer
National Agricultural Marketing and Development
Corporation
Southern Wholesale Market
S.S. Erin Road
Debe
Tel: (868) 647-3218/3467/3861
Fax: (868) 647-6087
Email: [email protected]
Mr Ganesh Gangapersad
Business Analyst
National Agricultural Marketing and Development
Corporation
Southern Whole Market
S.S. Erin Road
Debe
Tel: (868) 647-7576/3218/3467
Fax: (868) 647-6087
Email: [email protected]
Ms Leela Narinesingh
Promotions Officer
Tourism and Industrial Development Company of
Trinidad and Tobago
10-14 Phillips Street
Port-of-Spain
Tel: (868) 623-6022 (Ext. 304)
Fax: (868) 625-9062
Email: [email protected]
Mr Michael C. O'Donnell
Senior Multi-Sector Specialist
Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)
P.O. Box 67
17 Alexandra Street
St Clair, Port-of-Spain
Tel: (868) 622-0873/8367/8800/5422
Fax: (868) 622-6047
Email: [email protected]
Mr Paul Renier
Rural Development Counsellor
Delegation of the European Commission
Second Floor - The Mutual Centre
16 Queen's Park West
Port-of-Spain
Tel: (868) 622-6628/0591
Fax: (868) 622-6355
Email: [email protected]
Ms Ayesha De Leon
Corporate Manager
Credit
Agricultural Development Bank of Trinidad and
Tobago
Head Office
87 Henry Street
Port-of-Spain
Tel: (868) 623-6261/6262/6263/6264
Fax: (868) 624-3087
Email: [email protected]
Dr Majeed Mohammed
Senior Lecturer
Department of Food Production
Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences
University of the West Indies (UWI)
St Augustine
Tel: (868) 645-3232/3233/3334 (Ext. 3324)
Fax: (868) 663-9686
Email: [email protected]
Dr Laura Roberts-Nkrumah
Lecturer
Department of Food Production
Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences
University of the West Indies (UWI)
St Augustine
Tel: (868) 645-3232/3233/3234 (Ext. 3325)
Fax: (868) 645-0479
Email: [email protected]
Mr Lennox Andrews
Post-graduate Student
Department of Food Production
Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences
University of the West Indies (UWI)
C/o 48 Dash Street
St Augustine
Tel: (868) 645-1533 (Home)
Fax: (868) 645-0479 (UWI)
Email: [email protected]
Dr Reginald Griffith
Director of Research/International Consultant
Natural Resources Development Institute
P.O. Box 4763
Arima Post Office
Arima
Tel: (868) 668-8138
Fax: (868) 668-8138
Mr Ronald Austin
Affan's Bakery Limited
48 Irving Street
San Fernando
Tel: (868) 652-3610
Fax: (868) 652-3610
Mr Marcus Mycoo
Caribbean Manager
Marketing Arm International
P.O. Box 3509
Lot 167, Concord Rd
Bay View, La Romain
Tel: (868) 652-9565
(868) 683-2993 (Cellular)
Fax: (868) 657-7054
Email: [email protected]
Dr Donatus St Aimee
Economic Affairs Officer
Science and Technology
United Nations Economic Commission for Latin
America and the Caribbean
CHIC Building, 63 Park Street
P.O. Box 1113
Port-of-Spain
Tel: (868) 623-5395 (Ext. 370)
Fax: (868) 623-8485
Email: [email protected]
Mr Brian Anthony Dickson
Agronomist
National Agro Chemicals Ltd
NP Compound, Cyrus Trace
El Socorro Ext.
San Juan
Tel: (868) 674-5711/5715/5716
Fax: (868) 638-3106
Email: [email protected]
Dr Peter Vine
Soil Scientist/Agronomist
Accuracy Services
P.O. Box 960
Couva
Pager: (868) 662-3377 (Peter Vine)
Dr Thackwray Driver
Programme Coordinator
Programme Coordinating Unit
Agricultural Sector Reform Programme
#2 Serpentine Street
St Clair
Port-of-Spain
Tel: (868) 628-1617/1618 (PBX)
(868) 623-3691 (Direct)
Fax: (868) 628-0383
Email: [email protected]
Mr Ramesh Sarabit
Senior Project Implementation Officer
Programme Coordinating Unit
Agricultural Sector Reform Programme
#2 Serpentine Street
St Clair
Port-of-Spain
Tel: (868) 628-1617/1618 (PBX)
(868) 623-7634 (Direct)
Fax: (868) 628-0383
Email: [email protected]
Mr Ivan Churaman
President
Biodynamic Association of Trinidad and Tobago
St Augustine
Tel: (868) 672-5221
Email: [email protected]
Mr Sharma Lalla
Managing Director
Innovative Technologies and Services Limited
50 Wittet Drive, Central Park
Couva
Tel: (868) 636-8011
Fax: (868) 679-3829
Email: [email protected]
Mr Ivan Laughlin
Project Coordinator
Human Settlement Initiatives
2B Alexandra Street
St Clair
Port-of-Spain
Tel: (868) 628-6682
Fax: (868) 628-4047
Email: [email protected]
Mr Aljoscha Wothke
Eco-Project Tobago
4 Breeze Hall Mall
Scarborough
Tobago
Mr Mark Frederick
Crop and Livestock Specialist
Caribbean Agriculture and Fisheries Programme
Office 11
1A Dere Street
Port-of-Spain
Tel: (868) 623-2708/2709
Fax: (868) 624-4903
Email: [email protected]
Central and South America
ARGENTINA
Mr Pipo Alberto Lernoud
World Board Member
IFOAM/MAPO
Salguero 925
Buenos Aires 1177
Tel: (54) 11 4862-1424
Fax: (54) 11 4777-5082
Email: [email protected]
Ms Laura Montenegro
Director
ARGENCERT Srl
B. de Irigoyen 760 10eB
Buenos Aires 1072
Tel: (541) 14 3340313
Fax: (541) 14 3317185
Email: [email protected]
BELIZE
Ms Bridget Cullerton
Chief Executive Officer
Belize Citrus Growers' Association
Mile 9, Stann Creek Valley Road
P.O. Box 7, Dangriga
Tel: (501) 5-23547/23585/23535
Fax: (501) 5-22686/23511
Email: [email protected]
Mr John Usher
Technical Committee Chairman
Belize Citrus Growers' Association
Mile 9, Stann Creek Valley Road
P.O. Box 7, Dangriga
Tel: (501) 5-23547/23585/23535
Fax: (501) 5-22686/23511
Email: [email protected]
Mr Kenneth Gale
Assistant
Technical and Marketing
Agriculture Station
Ministry of Agriculture
Toledo District
Tel: (501) 7-12015/6
(501) 1-81349 (Cellular)
Fax: (501) 7-22681
Email: [email protected]
Mr Edwin Martinez
P.O. Box 448
Belmopan
Tel: (501) 8-20222
Email: [email protected]
CHILE
Ms Anouk Hoeberichts
Comunicación y Desarrollo
Grupo de Desarrollo Sostenible
Oficina Regional para América Latina y el Caribe
Organización de las Naciones Unidas para la
Agricultura y la Alimentación (FAO/UN)
Avenida Dag Hammarskjold, 3241, Vitacura
Casilla 10095
Santiago
Tel: (562) 337-2241/2100 (Ext. 2241)
Fax: (562) 337-2101
Email: [email protected]
COLOMBIA
Mr Ricardo Sanchez
Organic Agriculture Consultant
World Bank
Banco Mundial, Misión Residente en Colombia
Carrera 7 No. 71-21 Torre A Piso 16
Santafé de Bogotá
o
Tv. 12 No. 123-46, Apt. 505
Finca La Vega, Tuta, Boyaca
Santafé de Bogotá
Tel: (571) 214-2447; 326-3600
(573) 343-3597 (Cellular)
Fax: (578) 326-3480
Email: [email protected]
COSTA RICA
Mr Pedro Cussianovich
Representative
Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on
Agriculture
Coronado
San José, 6742-1000
Tel: (506) 216-0255
Fax: (506) 216-0258
Email: [email protected]
Mr Mario F. Castejón
Especialista en Comercialización
Centro de Inversiones
Proyecto PNUD RLA/00/04
Unidad Regional de Asistencia Técnica
Organización de las Naciones Unidas para la
Agricultura y la Alimentación (RUTA/FAO)
Apartado Postal 211-2100
San José
Tel. (506) 255-4011
Fax. (506) 222-6556
Email: [email protected]
Sr. Bernardo Jaén Hernández
Director Ejecutivo
Programa de Desarrollo Agroindustrial
(PROAGROIN)
Apartado Postal 84-5000
Liberia, Guanacaste
Tel: (506) 666-4535
Fax: (506) 666 4522
Email: [email protected]
Ms Faye Campos
Comercialización
Programa de Desarrollo Agroindustrial
(PROAGROIN)
Apartado Postal 84-5000
Liberia, Guanacaste
Tel: (506) 666-4535
Fax: (506) 666 4522
Email: [email protected]
Ing. Elizabeth Ramirez Sandi
Jefe Departamento
Servicio Fitosanitario del Estado
Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganadería
Barreal Heredia
San José
Tel: (506) 261-0381; 260-6190
Fax: (506) 261-0381; 260-6190
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.protecnet.go.cr
GUATEMALA
Ing. Erick Jesús Granados Ortiz
Gerente Regional
Guatemaya Productos Ecológicos
13 Calle 20-48 “A” Zona 7
Kaminal Juyu II
Tel: (502) 472-3717
Fax: (502) 472-3713
Email: [email protected]
Ms Rogelia Soto Chacón
Oficial de Proyetcos
Oxfam 6B, Oficina Guatemala
6a Avenida 6-92 Zona 9
Tel: (502) 332-1992
Fax: (502) 331-2145
Email: [email protected]
Mr Mario Alejandro Arriola Polanco
Administrador
Oxfam, Gran Bretaña
6a Avenida 6-92 Zona 9
Guatemala City
Tel: (502) 332-1992
Fax: (502) 331-2145
Email: [email protected]
Lic. Guillermo Cifuentes
Director Regional
Regional Sede de Occidente
5a Calle D3-48 Zona 1
Quetzaltenango
Tel: (502) 761-9596/2026
Fax: (502) 761-9596
Email: [email protected]
Ms Verónica Vallejo Michelena
Sales Manager
EXPOAROM
Av. Simón Bolívar e Interoceánica Km 4½
P.O. Box 17-21-859
Quito
Tel: (593) 2 289-8385/888-740
Fax: (593) 2 289-8385/888-740
Email: [email protected]
Ms Maria Gabriela Solines Alencastro
EXPOAROM
Av. Simón Bolívar e Interoceánica Km 4½
P.O. Box 17-21-859
Quito
Tel: (593) 2 289-8385/888-740
Fax: (593) 2 289-8385/888-740
Email: [email protected]
EL SALVADOR
Sr. Franklin Januario García Rodríguez
Fitopatólogo
Centro Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria y
Forestal (CENTA)
Caja 14 Avenida Nte #2-11 Sto.teck
Km 33.5 Carretera a Santa Ana,
Depto. La Libertad
San Salvador
Tel: (503) 338-4842
Email: [email protected]
HONDURAS
Ing. Jose Lisandro Mejia del Cid
Subdirector Técnico Proyecto
Proyecto de Desarrollo Rural en el Sur Occidente
de Honduras (PROSOC)
Secretaría de Agricultura y
Colonia Mellar Castro Márcala
La Paz
Tel: (504) 764-5357/5182
Fax: [email protected]
NICARAGUA
Ms Flor de Maria Rivas Lopez
Gerente de Proyectos
Agriculture and Food Security Project
SERCONSA
Cooperative League of the United States of
America (CLUSA)
Carretera Sur KM 11¼
Managua
Tel: (505) 265-7123; 278-0451
Fax: (505) 265-7335
Email: [email protected]
Mr Mario José Machado Amador
Gerente de Crédito
Agriculture and Food Security Project
SERCONSA
Cooperative League of the United States of
America (CLUSA)
Carretera Sur KM 11¼
Managua
Tel: (505) 265-7123
Fax: (505) 265-7335
Email: [email protected]
Mr Armando Jose Angulo Campos
Gerente Producción Agrícola
Agriculture and Food Security Project
SERCONSA
Cooperative League of the United States of
America (CLUSA)
Rpto. San Juan #498
Managua
Tel: (505) 278-0451
Fax: (505) 278-0451
Email: [email protected]
Mr Arnulfo Rayo Rodríguez
Gerente Producción Agrícola
Agriculture and Food Security Project
SERCONSA
Cooperative League of the United States of
America (CLUSA)
Rpto. San Juan #498
Tel: (505) 278-0451
Fax: (505) 278-0451
Email: [email protected]
Mr Oscar Danilo Cuevas Garibo
Production Technician
Cooperative League of the United States of
America (CLUSA)
Km 11¼ Carretera Sur
Managua
Tel: (505) 265-7123
Fax: (505) 265 7335
Email: [email protected]
Mr Jaime Carlos Terán Reyes
Agribusiness Technician
Cooperative League of the United States of
America (CLUSA)
Km 11¼ Carretera Sur
Managua
Tel: (505) 265-7123
Fax: (505) 265 7335
Email: [email protected]
PERU
Mr Gonzalo La Cruz
Irrigation Programme Manager
ITDG
Casilla 18-0620
Lima 18
Tel: (511) 242-9714
Fax: (511) 446-6621
Email: [email protected]
BELGIUM
Mrs Henriette Acquah Dodet Malenge
Co-ordinator - Fruit & Vegetable Sector
Centre for the Development of Enterprise (CDE)
Av. Herrmann Debroux 52
1160 Brussels
Tel: (322) 679-1811 (10 lines 9-18hrs)
Fax: (322) 675-2603/679-1831
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.cde.int
FRANCE
Mr Thierry Lescot
Especialista en Agronomia
Programa Banana, Plátano y Piña
Departmento de Producciones Frutales
Centre de Coopération Internationale en
Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement
(CIRAD-FLHOR)
TA 50/P54, Avenue Agropolis
Blvd. de la Lironde, 34398 Montpellier Cedex 5
Tel: +33(0) 4 67 61 71 52
Fax: +33(0) 4 67 61 71 47
Email: [email protected]
Mr Heribert Schramm
Managing Director
Naturkost Schramm GmbH
Ludwig-Winter-Strasse 6
D-77767 Appenweier
Tel: +49(0) 7805-96680
Fax: +49(0) 7805-966880
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.naturkost-schramm.de
ITALY
Mr Paul P. Pilkauskas
Senior Commodity Specialist
Raw Materials, Tropical and Horticultural
Products Service
Commodities and Trade Division
Economic and Social Department
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations (FAO)
Room D-864
Viale delle Terme di Caracalla
00100 Rome
Tel: (39) 06 570-52003
Fax: (39) 06 570-54495
Email: [email protected]
Mr Pascal Liu
Commodity Specialist
Raw Materials, Tropical and Horticultural
Products Service
Commodities and Trade Division
Economic and Social Department
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations (FAO)
Room D-848
Viale delle Terme di Caracalla
00100 Rome
Tel: (39) 06 570-55957
Fax: (39) 06 570-54495
Email: [email protected]
Mr Bart Vrolijk
Agricultural Trade Specialist
Raw Materials, Tropical and Horticultural
Products Service
Commodities and Trade Division
Economic and Social Department
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations (FAO)
Room D-855b
Viale delle Terme di Caracalla
00100 Rome
Tel: (39) 06 570-53663
Fax: (39) 06 570-54495
Email: [email protected]
Ms Nadia Scialabba
Environment Officer
Environment and Natural Resources Service
Sustainable Development Department
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations (FAO)
Via delle Terme di Caracalla
00100 Rome
Tel: (39) 06 570-56729
Fax: (39) 06 570-53369
Email: [email protected]
NETHERLANDS
Ms Isolina Boto
Deputy Head
Seminars and Studies Department
Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural
Cooperation (CTA)
P.O. Box 380, 6700 AJ Wageningen
Tel: (31) 317 467134
Fax: (31) 317 460067
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.agricta.org
Mr Ben Huyghe
Quality Manager
AgroFair B.V.
Koopliedenweg 10
2991 LN Barendrecht
Tel: +31(0) 180 643904
+31(0) 6 21256279 (Cellular Netherlands)
+32(0) 4 77387838 (Cellular Belgium)
Fax: +31(0) 180 649424
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.agrofair.com
Mr Bas Schneiders
Director
Weleda AG
1076 JV Amsterdam
Tel: (31) 20 6716513
Email: [email protected]
Mr Bo Van Elzakker
Director
Agro Eco/IOAS
P.O. Box 63
6700 AB Bennekom
Tel: (31) 318.420.405
Fax: (31) 318 414.820
Email: [email protected]
SWEDEN
Mr Gunnar Rundgren
President, IFOAM and
Chief Executive Officer, Grolink
Torfolk, 684 95 Höje
Tel: (46) 563-72345
Fax: (46) 563-72066
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.grolink.se
SWITZERLAND
Mr Rudy Kortbech-Olesen
Senior Market Development Adviser
International Trade Centre (ITC)
Palais des Nations
CH-1202 Geneva 10
Tel: (41) 22 7300253
Fax: (41) 22 7300446
Email: [email protected]
Mr Robert Taylor
Content Manager, Animal Sciences
CABI Publishing
CAB International
Nosworthy Way
Wallingford
Oxon OX10 8DE
Tel: +44 (01) 1491 829450
+44 (01) 1491 832111 (PBX)
Fax: +44 (01) 1491 833508
Email: [email protected]
Mr James Waller
CAB International
Nosworthy Way
Wallingford
Oxon OX10 8DE
Tel: +44 (01) 1491 829450
+44 (01) 1491 832111 (PBX)
Fax: +44 (01) 1491 833508
Email: [email protected]
Mr Dave Moore
CAB International
Bakeham Lane
Egham, Surrey TW209TY
Tel: +44 1784 470111
Fax: +44 1491 829100
Email: [email protected]
NORTH AMERICA
CANADA
Ms Kristina Taboulchanas
Research Associate
International Development Research Centre
250 Albert Street, Office #1105
Ottawa, Ontario K1G-3H9
Tel: (613) 236-6163 (Ext. 2176)
Fax: (613) 567-7749
Email: [email protected]
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Mr James A. Riddle
Policy Analyst/Certification Specialist
Organic Independents
Rt. 3 Box. 162-C
Winoma, Minnesota 55987
Tel: (507) 454-8310
(507) 429-7959 (Cellular)
Fax: (507) 454-8310
Email: [email protected]
Mr Daniele P. Giovannucci
Senior Consultant (World Bank)
1006 South 9th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147-4798
Tel: (215) 922-7518
Fax: (215) 922-5723
Email: [email protected]
Mr Rick Morris
Owner
The Compost Farm
7912 Nolensville Road
Arrington, Tennessee 37014
Tel: (615) 395-7176
Email: [email protected]
Dr Carlton G. Davis
Distinguished Professor
Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
Food and Resource Economics Department
University of Florida
McCarty Hall
P.O. Box 110240
Gainesville, Florida 32611-0240
Tel: (352) 392-1881 (Ext. 313)
Fax: (352) 392-9898
Email: [email protected]
Mr Kevin Athearn
Phd. Student
Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
Food and Resource Economics Department
University of Florida
G105 McCarty Hall B
P.O. Box 110240
Gainesville, Florida 32611-0240
Tel: (352) 376-8730
Fax: (352) 392-9898
Email: [email protected]
Mr Timothy Larsen
ITC Consultant
1313 Lombardi Street
Erie, Colorado, 80516
Tel: (303) 828-7637
Fax: (303) 828-4912
Email: [email protected]
Ms Katalina Montana
Supply Reduction Specialist
Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission
(CICAD)
Organization of American States
1889 F. Street, N.W.
Washington D.C. 20006
Tel: (202) 458-3479
Fax: (202) 458-3658
Email: [email protected]
CONFERENCE SUPPORT PERSONNEL
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Trinidad and Tobago
• Ms Marion Alleyne, Conference Coordinator
• Ms Lisa Martinez, Conference Coordinator
• Ms Roanne Joseph, Secretariat Coordinator/Liaison
• Mr Harold Seeyjagat, Equipment Technologist
• Ms Sherry Holder, Secretary
Ministry of Food Production and Marine Resources, Trinidad and Tobago
• Mrs Joy Persad-Myers, Secretariat Coordinator/Liaison
• Mr Francis Watty
• Ms Angela Betrand
• Ms Jane Fournillier
• Ms Nicole Guerra, Computer Technician
• Ms Sumatee Sookhoo
Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture, Trinidad and Tobago
• Ms Lavorn Haynes, Secretary
• Mr Ricky Franco, Equipment Technologist
Rapporteurs
• Ms Elizabeth McClean
• Ms Jermaine Walker
• Ms Shanna Prevost
• Ms Denyse Johnston
Interpreters
National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (School of Languages), Trinidad and Tobago
Ms Milsa Barrow
Ms Michelle Scobie
Ms Lyndell Logan-Salina
Mrs Janett Subieta-Phelps
1 IFOAM has agreed to convene a meeting in the Caribbean to discuss regional standards. The development of these regional standards will facilitate the trade of organic produce within the region.