“There is scope for the development and growth of natural and organic agriculture in Jamaica through a national policy framework for the sector” ~ Dr. David Lowe; Head of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries’ Agro-Investment Corporation; Jamaica

He was speaking at the opening session of a two-day workshop on business opportunities in the European natural and organic products market.

I like what the Jamaican Wellness Cluster has been doing. It would be a great idea for all those interested in promoting wellness to come together to cooperate, educate and learn. We need Dominica Wellness Clusters.

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Jamaican Information Service

On the occasion of the World Food Day, agro-industry proposes a second green revolution based on genetic engineering. This suits their interests but does not contribute to feeding the poor. Organic Agriculture based on its encouraging concepts, experience and examples proposes a paradigm-shift in food security policies to ensure that hunger is history by 2050.

IFOAM

“The marketing boom pushed retail sales of organic foods up to $21.1 billion in 2008 from $3.6 billion in 1997.” ~ Economic Information Bulletin No. (EIB-58) 33 pp, September 2009

Economic Information Bulletin No. (EIB-58) 33 pp, September 2009

Organic foods now occupy prominent shelf space in the produce and dairy aisles of most mainstream U.S. food retailers. The marketing boom has pushed retail sales of organic foods up to $21.1 billion in 2008 from $3.6 billion in 1997. U.S. organic-industry growth is evident in an expanding number of retailers selling a wider variety of foods, the development of private-label product lines by many supermarkets, and the widespread introduction of new products. A broader range of consumers has been buying more varieties of organic food. Organic handlers, who purchase products from farmers and often supply them to retailers, sell more organic products to conventional retailers and club stores than ever before. Only one segment has not kept pace—organic farms have struggled at times to produce sufficient supply to keep up with the rapid growth in demand, leading to periodic shortages of organic products.

USDA Economic Research Service

“The best disease and insect control is to grow crops in a healthy environment.” ~ Masanobu Fukuoka; The One Straw Revolution; A Way of Farming and A Way of Life

ORGANIC FARMING

What if Dominica was an Organic Island? – Our ecosystems would be preserved. 

Organic farming practices result in a benefit to the environment by reducing pollution and conserving energy, water and soil. Research comparing organic and conventional farming systems shows organic farming comes out ahead on every environmental measure……

Organic agriculture respects the balance demanded of a healthy ecosystem therefore: soil is nourished; beneficial wildlife is encouraged; wetlands and other natural areas are retained.

Farming land organically increases the quality and depth of the soil; ensuring the sustainability of farming for generations to come. Synthetic fertilizers may create rapid growth, but they don’t replenish the soil nearly as much as organic fertilizers do. 

Studies show the decline of reptiles; amphibians; bees and birds can be directly linked to agricultural chemicals. Where will our farmers be with out bees to fertilize our plants; birds to distribute seed; reptiles to maintain eco systems in balance?

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 Organic Farming Links

Adverse health effects caused by pesticides; Bulletin of the World Health Organization

Roundup kills human cells; Environmental Health News

Pesticides: Health effects in drinking water; Cornell University

ORGANIC GARDENS

Organic Gardens are one of the unique healing aspects of this island. Different areas grow different things so each garden is special in it’s own way.
 

Featured listing:

Papillote Wilderness Retreat Gardens  – I love to visit Papillote; one of the first retreat centers to develop the healing spa qualities of their property.  These exotic and organic gardens are so intensely beautiful that I can take hours to tour a relatively small area. I love to stop and meditate on the blooms or the subtle scent of the leaves or flowers and breathe deeply of the super oxygenated air. I practice yoga on a circular platform with the rainforest canopy as the roof overhead; the sounds of water as the music in my ears. I bathe in the cool waters of the river; I let the waterfall massage my back; I soak in sensouously hot pools -  dipping into all 4 pools if I can. A healthy meal at the restaurant is always an option – I get the vegetarian plate. It includes beans, ground provisions and fresh vegetables of the season. …..Life is nice Living Natural in Dominica!

 Non Profit Organizations:

DOAM: Dominica Organic Agriculture Movement. This organization is always moving forward. Soon they will have their own office in Roseau. If you believe in organic agriculture – JOIN DOAM!

“Used in yards, farms and parks throughout the world, Roundup has long been a top-selling weed killer. But now researchers have found that one of Roundup’s inert ingredients can kill human cells, particularly embryonic, placental and umbilical cord cells,”

We were pouring over 3000 litres of this stuff on our land in 1997; imagine how much has entered our environment since then!

http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/news/roundup-weed-killer-is-toxic-to-human-cells.-study-intensifies-debate-over-inert-ingredients

Three Zicam Intranasal Zinc Products

There may be an association between the use of stimulant medications and sudden death in healthy children.

“The school is a micro-organism of society; the students manifest at school behaviours and attitudes they notice at home, in the public and elsewhere. The society must ensure that we practice the things that we preach              ~ Alicia Jean-Jacques; Principal Dominica Grammar School; The Chronicle; Friday, March 20, 2009

RESPECT to Children’s Christian Fund (CCF) – I have observed this organization for over 10 years contribute to the children of this island through seemingly small but extremely effective methods such as training programs for teachers and parents; lunches programs and support for preschools……. Nuff respect

 ACTIVE PARENTING

Non Violent Behaviour Management

Dominica is one of the most kind and gentle societies I have ever been in. To ensure we keep it this way we need to provide resources for teachers and parents as well as children that reinforce the concept of love your fellow man.

 Parenting programmes are an excellent way to learn these skills.

 When my children were young I attended a semester programme in the evenings through my school. I used the knowledge from that programme over and over again over the years both as a teacher and as a parent. One of the best techniques I have found to reinforce appropriate behaviour is to recognize it; nothing brought my Grade K classroom in line as quickly as ‘I LIKE how _______ is working quietly’ or ‘’I like how _______ is seated quietly ready to go.’

 Congratulations to all those in Dominica providing resources for parents and teachers wishing to educate themselves on ways to improve their conflict resolution skills.

Non Violent Behaviour Management Online

Gentle Christian Mothers – Gentle Christian Mothers™ (GCM) was born out a desire to help unite mothers who believe that God has given mamas a mothering instinct and whose hearts’ desire is to nurture our children gently.

Conflict Resolution with Young Children – great classroom technique

 We have to remember to praise good behaviour – National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children; Your Family Magazine

 Disciplining Techniques – Dr. Phil’s Advice

 Restorative Justice Models – Canadian Examples of Community Justice

 Conflict Resolution Education Around the World – see how it works around the world!

 Mediating a Better Solution – High School Student Peer Mediation

 NATURAL LIVING IN DOMINICA RESOURCE DIRECTORY
ACTIVE PARENTING RESOURCES

Brainstorm Children’s Wellness Centre; register now for Sept 2009 programmes: Brain Gym – improve memory and increase attention span; Mommy and me – interact with and stimulate your little one; Exceptional Kids – For Special Needs Children to Improve overall functioning!  We also provide consultation, resource development & staff training workshops to organizations, schools, government departments etc. covering: Understanding Behaviour; Maximizing Learning Potential; Working with Children with Exceptional (Special) Needs; Antisocial Behaviour; Special Needs curriculum development; Stress Management & Much More!

Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

RESPECT to Andrew Royer. I dedicate this listing in memory of Mr. Andrew Royer, well known throughout the Caribbean for his promotion of organic agriculture and sustainable living as well as the small farmer. In 1981 he  was awarded a silver medal by the FAO for his work in food production. He was also awarded honorary member ship by Trinidad and Tobago Organic Agriculture Movement. His model farm was a training center to people from all over the world and one of the few places in Dominica where you could see biogas production in operation in the 1990’s. Mr. Royer is to be remembered in perpetuity for his tireless efforts in promoting organic agriculture and eco living in Dominica. ………. nuff respect.

ORGANIC FARMING
What if Dominica was an Organic Island? – We would be the undisputed Eco Destination of the Caribbean

We would be the first organic country in the world and undisputed eco destination of the Caribbean. Other countries in the Caribbean are talking about it; but we would be at the forefront of the green revolution in tourism and agriculture in the West Indies.

 Those interested in agro tourism or culinary tourism would be intrigued; those who are keen on geo tourism or nature tourism would be assured of pristine environments and those seeking an eco holiday or healthy holiday would be very attracted to an island proclaiming organic.
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 Organic Farming on the Internet 

 Obama family will plant an organic garden! Wow gardening with the president; organically! Amazing!

Basketball is an endurance sport, and you have to learn to control your breath; that’s the essence of yoga, too.  So, I consciously began using yoga techniques in my practice and playing.  I think yoga helped reduce the number and severity of injuries I suffered.  As preventative medicine, it’s unequaled.  ~Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Yoga for Optimum Brain Function

 Practicing yoga regularly can be of great benefit to all but especially students. Besides increasing energy; enhancing functional fitness and improving strength and flexibility – yoga can enhance mental prowess.
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