Time to Submit 2006 Organic Farming Exchange Application

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food

Here is a one of a kind opportunity to share a little organic agriculture production knowledge with new friends in an exotic location.

The Saskatchewan Federation of Production Co-operatives (SFPC) and the Canadian Co-operative Association (CCA) are now accepting applications for the 2006 Organic Farming Exchange, until October 30, 2005.

What does this involve?

The 2006 exchange is with the Philippines. At the beginning of January 2006, 10 selected individuals will begin a six-week stay at the SoroSoro Ibaba Development Co-operative near Manila, Southern Luzon Island, Philippines.

Cabri area organic producer Ross Keven is a Board Member and the Special Projects Coordinator with the SFPC.

“The SFPC is a non-governmental organization committed to uniting, representing and serving co-operatives throughout Saskatchewan and internationally,” Keven says. “The main objective of the SFPC Organic Farming Exchange is to give rural and urban youth and adults the opportunity to represent Canada while working with local Filipino farmers in a rural co-operative.

“Throughout the six weeks, Canadian participants will live and work with Filipino counterparts on the SoroSoro Ibaba Development Co-operative in the Philippines. This hands-on experience will allow the participants to foster lasting international friendships and linkages, to experience the culture and customs of another country, and to develop leadership skills and an understanding of rural co-operatives.”

One to two weeks will also be spent touring the country and seeing some of the gorgeous beaches and scenery in the Philippines.

“We are looking for people who are over the age of 18; are Canadian citizens or permanent residents eligible to work in Canada; have a demonstrated interest in co-operatives and international development; have an interest in organic agriculture; demonstrate cultural sensitivity and adaptability; are in good health; and who will be willing to share their experiences when they return to Canada. Specific skills related to hog production would be a distinct asset,” Keven says.

“This co-operative is primarily focused on hog production, but is presently expanding to include organic vegetable farming,” explains Keven. The participants will be working hands-on with the farmers to help develop these skills.

“Applicants should be aware that the Filipino farmers who take part in the exchange will be spending three to six weeks in Saskatchewan afterwards, to learn about our provinces’ farming techniques. It is hoped that the participants will also contribute to the second phase of the exchange. It is also hoped that participants will be advocates when they return to Canada, sharing their experiences through speaking engagements and other activities on behalf of SFPC and CCA.

“Each participant is also expected to contribute $3,000, which they are encouraged to raise in their community, to help offset the costs of the exchange program. Upon acceptance into the program, participants will be provided with a fundraising kit to help achieve this goal.”

Ross Keven is an old hand at this. He was part of the first group of farmers who went for two weeks to China in 1981, as part of an initiative to help local farmers from the dryland regions of Mongolia avoid making the same mistakes we made in the thirties on the Prairies.

“An exchange program like this is a real eye opener. Sometimes, you know, it is the Canadian exchange participants who end up learning the most.”

For the past 25 years, SFPC has hosted farming exchanges throughout China, Zimbabwe, Costa Rica, and Cuba, and has partnered with the Canadian Co-operative Association on exchanges to Zimbabwe, Costa Rica, and Cuba in the past.

For more information, contact:

Ross Keven
Special Projects Coordinator
Saskatchewan Federation of Production Co-operatives
(306) 587-2329