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Agricultural Nurseries
Latin America & the Caribbean
Agricultural Nurseries
Project Coordinator:
Joanne Peterson
Project Overview:
Agricultural Nurseries (El Cercado, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC) is a special initiative of El Cercado Community Development, which teaches community groups the organic production of citrus, avocado, coffee and cacao trees. The project teaches soil conversation and organic production, and hopes to market their organic, fair trade produce on a national market. Currently, 56 farmers and women’s associations in El Cercado and the surrounding communities are part of the project.
The project is coordinated by Joanne Peterson, an American woman who has been living and working in the Dominican Republic for over twenty years. Joanne is excited about recent initiatives started by the Dominican people and says “The most remarkable change has occurred in the people, the new leaders that are stepping forth to take responsibility for the future of their communities. A new day is dawning with grassroots empowerment, and the people are feeling their worth and dignity."
Recent Accomplishments:
* Nurseries are going full steam with 10 functioning nurseries and four more to be built.
* Installed a hoop greenhouse, worm farm, and fish pond in one nursery with the objective of setting up two more.
* A Peace Corp agricultural expert will be joining our team.
Goals for 2008:
This project proposes to combat environmental degradation and detioration while promoting community economic development in the region.
IPM Funding Goal for 2008:
$ 500.00