This lovely video from Jamaica explains the ethos behind Marley Coffee, Jamaica’s leading organic coffee farm. Founded four years ago by Bob’s son Rohan, and Shane Whittle, the company is committed to social and environmental responsibility. The clip also explores what drives Marley Coffee to farm organically.

“You can’t say you have the world’s best coffee, and do it by destroying the world, and the world’s nicest environments” — Dr Dwight E.Robinson, Executive Director, Jamaica Organic Agriculture Movement.

Dr Robinson began his career studying the impact of pesticides used in coffee farming on eco-river systems. The amount of pesticide residue found in the river waters was ‘appalling’, as was the residue found in the fish from the rivers. Endosulfan, one of the most toxic pesticides available, is still licensed for use on coffee plantations in Jamaica today. More and more countries are banning the use of Endosulfan because of its hideous effects on farm workers. The effects of long term residue exposure through food is officially unknown, but Dr.Robinson says it undoubtedly has harmful physiological effects in the human body.

The good news is there are many other alternatives to pest control and effective management of the eco-system. In fact, adds Dr Robinson, pest problems occur when there is an imbalance in the eco-system. Organic coffee farms use these alternatives to great success. Bio-diversity is one of the anchors that helps maintain a healthy eco-system for organic farms. Beneficial fauna and plants regulate potentially harmful insects, and maximise the health of the crops.

This clip is well worth watching. The straightforward explanations from Dr Robinson are informative and interesting. Rohan Marley speaks passionately about his organic farm, and the sound track is classic stuff. Here’s your chance to find out more about organic living from Jamaica.

Filed under: Organic Farming

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