The Organic Farming Association of
Announcing the first TWN-OFAI Regional (
This announcement is about an international knowledge-sharing conference on “Outstanding Organic Agriculture Techniques” being organised by the Organic Farming Association of India (OFAI) and the Third World Network at
The conference will host participants exclusively from
The conference will be held at the GKVK campus of the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS) in
Organic agriculture is once again beginning to receive attention in south Asia, once a major reservoir of such sustainable practices handed down from generation to generation through actual practice, literature and word of mouth.
The conference will build on the available knowledge and skills of the farming communities as well as expose and promote innovations that can be replicated across the
The general focus of the regional conference will be a careful stocktaking of the status of organic farming in the countries represented; identification of bottle-necks; sharing of innovative techniques for replication elsewhere; development of organic farming policies for adoption by concerned governments; lobbying; creation of training facilities to meet the needs of small and marginal farmers; promotion of low-cost internal certification schemes like PGS; development of alliances and networking with consumer groups and media; campaigning against the introduction of GM crops and foods and other issues. Though much information would be shared on all these aspects between participants informally, the principal focus of the presentations will be restricted to outstanding organic agriculture practices. The faculty of speakers will mostly comprise pioneering organic farmers.
TWN will arrange sponsorship for travel costs of delegates to the regional conference, while local hospitality costs during the conference will be borne by the Organic Farming Association of India.
Local participation will be encouraged, specially from
Organic farming promoters/organizations are requested to identify potential participants and inform us by
Selected delegates will be informed and will have to submit by
Related information:
1) OFAI will assist foreign delegates with arrangements to visit good organic farms in any part of the country after the conference. Foreign delegates should use this opportunity to visit
2) The conference will host a special hall of literature on organic farming in all languages of
3) The conference will serve only organically grown food. Menu will include food recipes from north Karnataka on the first day and south Karnataka on the second day and will be 100% vegetarian.
4) It is firmly recommended that organic farming promoters select the best persons to attend the conference countrywise. NGOs will be restricted to three from every country, whereas organic farmers will be restricted to seven. NGOs with an outreach programme in organic farming or sustainable agriculture and with programmes for expansion of organic farming will be given preference. By and large, only organic farmers will be supported.
5) Persons who can pay their way will be most appreciated. If NGOs can meet their own travel costs, this would be best, keeping all travel sponsorships for individual organic farmers only. It will be appreciated if some of the costs of local arrangements are also met by participants. These could include costs of local accommodation and food. We would be happiest if participants themselves disclose what they can offer as their contribution to the workshop. If it is needed, it will be accepted. If not, it will be returned or declined. (All OFAI meetings in
6) The conference carries a marginal registration charge in any case of Rs.500 for both days, which includes food. Scholarships only to those who cannot afford. Requests for these must be made in advance.
Tentative schedule of presentations and agenda is given below:
The Regional (
Programme
09.30 – 10.00 Arrival and registration of participants
10.00 – 11.15 Welcome and inauguration
11.30 – 13.00 Living Farms: Overview of the Best of Organic Practice in
13.00 – 14.00 Organic Lunch
14.00 – 15.15 Living Soils: Techniques for restoring soil health
15.15 – 15.30 Organic Coffee/Tea Break
15.30 – 17.00 Living Soils: Techniques for protecting soil health
18.00 – 20.00 Cultural programme by Karnataka artistes
Day Two:
09.30 – 11.00 Living Fields: Insect-Plant Interactions and Harmonies
11.00 – 11.15 Organic Coffee/Tea Break
11.15 – 13.00 Healthy Fields: Managing Plant Health
13.00 – 14.00 Organic Lunch
14.00 – 15.00 Water management on organic farms
15.00 – 15.15 Organic Coffee/Tea Break
15.15 – 16.30 Organic Seeds
16.30 – 17.00 Summing up: Elder/Older farmers advise
17.00 – 17.50 Valedictory
The conference is intended for organic farmers, agricultural scientists interested or working in organic farming, NGOs who have a sustainable agriculture outreach programme.
Registration charges for south
Organic farmers and students: Rs.500 (includes conference kit, two lunches, tea/coffee and snacks). Payable before
For information/registration:
Claude Alvares/Miguel Braganza,
Organic Farming Association of