CARIBBEAN : Organic herb production system

The Caribbean has a rich tradition of producing and using herbal remedies and the resulting wealth of traditional knowledge has been harnessed in an organic herb production project begun in 2003 to help displaced and disadvantaged farmers and their families diversify into an alternative crop, following a downturn in the Windward Islands banana industry.

With lead partner Agrico’s technical and advisory services, project management and production coordination, another local company contracted to buy the produce to manufacture herbal remedies, teas and beverages for its growing local and international markets. This, together with BLCF's support, provided financial leverage for the project so that farmers could to upgrade or establish new organic herb production systems.

A linkage advisory committee was established with the partners, Ministry of Agriculture and two farmer support groups put in charge of overseeing the project. Meanwhile an ecological and production survey of the seven targeted herbs was also undertaken, as well as field and farm assessments.

Producers were made aware of the requirements for organic herb production through workshops and training in key areas such as farm management and record keeping, before farms were developed to support the herb production systems. A database of current and potential herb producers was set up and the marketing partners developed new markets and new packaging.

One of the key project achievements has been the establishment of a model for supply purchase contracts between producers and purchasers: while it involved lengthy negotiations, it served to create a template for other farmers to use with other commodities. The original pilot producers no longer supply herbs due to linkage breakdowns but use the lessons learned to grow other crops on their land. New herb farmers have come on board and a much-needed herb association has been formed to undertake market research and sales activities.

For more information contact BLCF fund manager, the Emerging Markets Group at this address