A very lively and informative meeting at the Cayo Healthy Food Symposium. Some topics were Genetically Modified Food, Understanding Food Lables and Why, Proposal of various structures for creating a formal group and much more. A representative of an Organic Farmers Association in Punta Gorda was in attendance and had key input. Several members of the San Antonio Cayo Organic Growers Association were also present, as well as about 50 concerned people including five tables of vendors. Maya Mountain, DuPlooys, Chaya Garden Ashram, the Department of Agriculture Promoting Organic Growing, and the Belize Organic Alliance were also represented. More details on presenters to follow from the notations of the meeting. The first half of the meeting was devoted to suggestions for formatting the attendees into a more formal group, and more suggestions about how best to support and interact with the growers in San Antonio. In all aspects of the meeting it was continually mentioned that bridges need to be built across Belize to connect various organizations with similar interests and goals. Connecting organic farm groups, anti-GMO groups, and interfacing with related branches of the Belize Government were discussed. Resources in terms of finance and education for the San Antonio Cayo Organic Growers Association were suggested, including the idea of a membership fee for buyers to support costs of expansion and operation for SACOGA, as well as the concept of a no-accounting coupon system for pre-paid orders, to enable growers greater financial stability in terms of assured orders, with the buyers holding purchased coupons which they redeem as needed by them. This was a well received idea in the group. The group also reacted favorably to the idea of supporting the growers with a membership fee. It was decided to meet again to further these ideas on Tuesday, December 16, 2pm, Maya Mountain Lodge. Abdias Mesh determined that SACOGA could accommodate another 12 buyers at least at this time. That would double the current number of buyers and begin to offset the cost of fuel from San Antonio and back, a long drive over uncertain roads. In this writers opinion, for this group at this time, this may have been the most important piece of information shared.
Posted on: Sun, 14 Dec 2014 02:26:38 +0000
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