MANKIND’S predisposition to cross boundaries and explore beyond predetermined barriers to propagate his own species and ensure his longevity, has assured and ensured a continuum of experimentation within the parameters of his survival dynamics. Within recent times the consciousness has been enhanced in the human psyche that life, and the quality of one’s life can be greatly extended and enhanced if the most basic care is taken of one’s body through healthy choices in food intake and a requisite regimen of physical exercise, as well as abstinence from unhealthy practices.
Strictures circumscribing the type of diet that can sustain and enhance good health list adequate consumption of fruits and vegetables as one of the main planks of proper nutrition, and consciousness has been raised that the quality of the foods that we consume is integral to our entire wellbeing.
Within that framework production and consumption of organic agricultural produce is assuming a new dynamism worldwide, and in Guyana organic farming has been taken to a new and vibrant dimension, so much so that HRH Prince Charles commended Guyana’s initiative in organic agriculture at the Caribbean Organics and Fairtrade Conference at Lancaster House in London.
In his address the Prince of Wales said: “…..it is clear that the organic sector is growing at a significant rate and is offering an alternative route for agricultural development in many parts of the world which rely on the export of agricultural commodities for their livelihood. Organic food now represents over three per cent of European food consumption from virtually nothing 10 years ago, and that consumption is growing at over 15 per cent each year. This rate of growth is expected to continue – and even increase – over the next 10 years, despite the fact that organic produce in the European market place continues to command a considerable premium over the products of so-called conventional agriculture.”
The Prince said that it is clear that the organic sector is growing at a significant rate and is offering an alternative route for agricultural development in many parts of the world which rely on the export of agricultural commodities for their livelihood.
According to Prince Charles, organic food now represents over three per cent of European food consumption from virtually nothing 10 years ago, and that consumption is growing at over 15 per cent each year. He said that this rate of growth is expected to continue – and even increase – over the next 10 years, despite the fact that organic produce in the European market place continues to command a considerable premium over the products of so-called conventional agriculture.
Continuing, Prince Charles said: “Apart from farming organically myself, I started a food company 11 years ago to add value to organic crops and to create a source of income to my Charitable Foundation.”
The Prince’s company is called Duchy Originals and it markets and sells products that use wholly organic ingredients.  The company is growing at 60 per cent a year.                       In his address the Prince said: “When I visited Guyana two years ago, I had the opportunity to visit one of the less developed regions and heard about how cocoa used to be a major cash crop for the country, but whose cocoa industry had been redundant for 30 years. There and then, I suggested to the President that he might think about re-developing it – using the old cocoa plantation – to supply beans for my Duchy Originals chocolate.
“Since my visit two years ago, a small co-operative of 26 farmers and their families has been set up in conjunction with the National Agricultural Research Institute. I am delighted to be able to announce today that the beans have just been granted organic status by the Dutch certifying body, Skal. By the time they have been fermented, shipped and processed, I hope to be using them in Duchy Originals chocolate late this year – in time for Christmas. I am told by those that know that the quality of the chocolate from these organic cocoa beans is superlative.”
According to the Prince “… the impact is also being felt on some of Guyana’s major producers. The Guyana Sugar Corporation, which represents Guyana’s biggest national industry, has over the last two years set up a trial project to grow organic sugar. The first harvest is due this summer, and it could have a significant long-term impact if expanded. I should like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Guyanese President and Government, through the Minister of Fisheries, Crops and Livestock, the Honourable Satyadeow Sawh, who is here today, for seizing this initiative with flair and energy.”
Today the organic farming initiatives spoken about by Prince Charles in that address have assumed a dynamic momentum and, with encouragement and assistance from the Guyana Government, several other communities, especially in Amerindian hinterland, communities,  have embarked on organic farming of various other crops, activities which have proven superlatively successful, with products and by-products being exported through the Ministry of Agriculture to regional and international markets.
This is in line with Government’s thrust to create wealth, empower individuals and communities, and ensure food security in the nation..
Northwest Organics, headed by Annette Arjoon, is an organization comprising women from indigenous communities who have embarked on organic cash crop farming of non-traditional agricultural products.
During a presentation of $2.3M to that organization by Guyana’s Finance Minister, Ashni Singh, Arjoon said that this continuum of Government support will bring tremendous benefit to the Indigenous people of the North West District.  The North West Organics initiative is recognized as an outstanding example of agricultural diversification, since it complements the Government’s Agricultural Diversification Strategy by promoting the production and marketing of non-traditional products.
The Mainstay Organic Pineapple processing factory, located at the small Amerindian community at Mainstay/Whyaka, is a $30M plant which was commissioned in 2002. This facility processes organically-grown pineapples, including English Crown and “Sugar Loaf”, into slices and chunks which are exported to Europe.
The Blue Flame Women’s Group of Bunbury/Hosororo in Region One (Barima/Waini) has also broken into the regional market with their organic products, which include coffee, peanut butter, cocoa, preserved fruits, among other non-traditional agricultural products.     
Going organic is a slow process that requires time for land to convert and to develop new farming techniques, which should complement the local environment and growing conditions instead of relying on chemical pesticides and fertilisers.
Organic products are more costly on the markets, but because of the health benefits, the value greatly exceeds the cost factor.
Householders can assure their own healthy eating by growing organic fruits and vegetables in home gardens.  The health benefits come with the products, as well as by the exercise and the energy expended during the gardening activities.