organic agriculture
At La Siembra we believe that organic agriculture is one of the key building blocks to improving the well-being of communities, both at home and abroad. Simply put, organic and shade grown agricultural techniques are healthier for farmers, consumers and the environment. That’s why every single one of our Cocoa Camino products is certified organic by QAI.
our organic producer partners
Our cocoa and sugar are organically grown by co-operative producers who are committed to traditional growing techniques that rely on natural pest control rather than chemical pesticides. We work with producer partners in the Dominican Republic, Peru, Paraguay and Panama whose Fair Trade co-operatives meet the rigid standards of organic certification.
cocoa
Cocoa has traditionally been one of the most pesticide-intensive crops in the world. In particular, the use of Lindane (an organochlorine pesticide) in cocoa production is a health hazard for farmers, wildlife and consumers. The organic cocoa used in Cocoa Camino products is grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Organic and shade grown agricultural techniques encourage careful stewardship of the environment to improve cocoa quality and yields. This helps to ensure environmental sustainability and healthy communities for the future.
sugar
Organic sugar is minimally processed and harvested by hand. As crop-burning (slash and burn) techniques are not used, there are no traces of sulphur found on the cane or the land. There are no added chemical additives and no bleaching (via sulphur-dioxide) of the sugar. By eliminating polluting chemicals from entering the soil, groundwater, plants and atmosphere, these organic processes help to protect the environment.
organic practices
Organic practices, which promote the diversification of plants and trees, can also accomplish the following:
- Provide an ecological equilibrium;
- Reduce the incidence of plagues and disease;
- Fertilize the soil with harvest residuals;
- Generate additional income through the premium paid for certified organic products;
- Enrich family diets with fruit from shade-giving trees grown as part of organic farming;
- Generate additional income through the sale of this additional fruit harvest;
- Preserve the environment.
