Supporting organic coffee and cocoa production
15 July 2010,
Beginning in April 2009, Progreso has been supporting trainings to 10 coffee and cocoa cooperatives from Peru and Ecuador on organic agriculture. As a conclusion of the activities, an International Course in Agriculture and Permaculture was organized from June 7th to 17th in Tingo Maria, Peru.
Besides the organizations supported by Progreso, participants from Colombia and Venezuela also attended the course. The 95 participants learned new techniques of permaculture, chromatography of soils and rock flour. Also, they updated their knowledge on soil management within organic practices. The seminar included excellent lectures from world-renowned researchers on organic agriculture and permaculture.
The course included a field tour where participants could see how the producers of CAC Divisoria implemented these techniques in their fields. During the visit, teachers had the opportunity to answer questions and discuss some new issues not seen during the presentations. The participants were satisfied with the information received and motivated to implement the new techniques in their businesses and agricultural lands.