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Written by Frank Aragona
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Thursday, 15 February 2007 |
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 Kelly Franco with organic coffee
Piso Verde is the name of the farm that young farmer Alquilino “Kelly” Franco is currently developing. Heavily influenced by his education at CREAR as a young man, Kelly has decided to dedicate his life to encouraging organic agriculture and soil conservation in his community. Piso Verde is Kelly’s attempt to express his ideas in the form of a demonstration farm.
This photo illustrates the diverse nature of the farm. Kelly is standing on forage peanuts, a shade tolerant, tropical species. In addition to his work as a farmer, Kelly certifies organic farms. Piso Verde already has several hectares of organic coffee in production, the fruit of which Kelly holds in the photo. Indeed, the entire farm is certified organic, and Kelly reaps the economic and ecologic benefits of organic certification. In the background, several banana trees provide fruit and an additional source of income.
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Written by Frank Aragona
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Tuesday, 02 January 2007 |
 These trees are clones being tested for desirable characteristics Established in 2000, the Experimental Station of Matalarga specializes in the improvement of cocoa production in the Dominican Republic. The research team at the station has identified two areas of high priority: production and quality. To confront these problems, Alejandro Núñez and his colleagues have developed a multi-tiered strategy that involves research, education, and community participation. This clonal garden is an important part of that strategy. In it there are over 100 clones that are being evaluated for desirable characteristics. Several promising performers have emerged from this process, and the research team has already selected those trees with the highest seed production. Candidates for hybrid production have also been identified. When the best performers have been selected and distributed nationally, this will greatly enhance the productivity and quality of Dominican cocoa. |
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Written by Frank Aragona
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Wednesday, 22 November 2006 |
 EETA's staff working on appropriate technology development. For over 25 years, the people at the Experimental Station for Appropriate Technology (EETA) have worked directly with local farmers to develop appropriate technologies. EETA defines appropriate technology as anything that addresses an identified need and can be developed at low cost with local materials. The results of this approach have been remarkable. EETA has developed a number of technologies that, for their simplicity, creativity, and effectiveness, serve as a model for sustainable development. We have put together a slide show so that our visitors can view some of the interesting and important appropriate technologies developed and deployed by the people at EETA. Click on this link to the EETA Slide Show. |
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Written by Frank Aragona
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Wednesday, 15 November 2006 |
 These students are preparing a raised bed before planting. The Regional Center for the Study of Rural Alternatives (CREAR), lies tucked away in the mountainous community of Rio Limpio, along the Dominican border with Haiti. CREAR is a small technical school created to teach young people and farmers about organic gardening and biodynamic agriculture. For years this demonstration farm has served the community as a source of information and innovation. CREAR has had a big impact on the lives of the young people that study there. High school students spend their last two years of study at CREAR to learn about the theory and practice of agricultural development. Upon completion of their studies, these students receive a technical certificate that they can use to gain employment as a field technician or an extension agent. |
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