Organic production systems in the Southern Cone

Executive Summary

The objective was to identify, systematize and validate successful organic horticultural and fruit production processes with market potential. With this objective in mind, 7 species (blueberries, cocoa, coffee, onion, mango, tomato, and grapes) were selected in the participating countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Uruguay, and Paraguay) and the organic production systems of the two-species corresponding to each country were validated and publicized. The work was done under a participatory research methodology, where decision-making was carried out jointly between researchers and producers. 

The project generated a database of successful organic producers in the countries involved, which contains information regarding the general characteristics of the farm, composition and characteristics of the family group, production systems, climate conditions and overall environmental characteristics, soil and fertility management, pest, disease and weed management, crop management and marketing potential and limitations. 

Dissemination activities in all countries (field days and seminars) were a highlight, including the design of a Web page for general project information and the publication of the bulletin "Sustainable Organic Productive Systems in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay", which was distributed in the project closing seminars, held in the five countries. 

The technological solution

The project set out to technically characterize two successful organic production systems in agricultural areas with economic potential for each participating country, identifying critical points and success factors of the most effective organic production and management technologies. The focus was on participatory research where producers had an active voice throughout the initiative. 

In this framework, the technological solution consisted of a deep diagnosis and analysis in a sample universe in the participating countries. The central products generated are economically viable technological proposals for the production of agricultural goods aimed at organic product markets. Additionally, the proposals were geared to promote and stimulate the incorporation of new areas to organic production. 

Results

Beneficiaries

The goal of the project was to disseminate the results to a universe of 8,000 farmers and technicians and to train at least 200 producers and 125 technical advisers. To do this, a dissemination plan was structured with the preparation of a website, field days, workshops and seminars. The literary production (publications and reports of various kinds) was very significant, it included the publication of a book recounting the complete experience of the project with a circulation of 1,000 copies 

Sustainable Development Goals

Main donors