Demonstration Farms

	Demonstration Farms in Region 10
	Download the Concept Paper & Implementation Plan
	How to become a Demo Farm Host
	Persons interested in hosting demonstration farms are asked to submit a written application to LEAP on or before 15th July 2006. Application letter must include the following information: Name of Applicant Contact information Location of Farm Size of Farm Number of acres currently under cultivation Whether or not the farmer is a resident on the farm or if there is a farm manager Source of water supply Access road
	Technical Management Board
	Chairman - Dr. Patrick Chesney Manager of Projects and Policy Conservation International Mrs. Vicky Kellman Technical Manager Crop Production and Health Ministry of Fisheries Crops and Livestock Mr. Mortimer Livan Head of Soil and Water Management National Agricultural Research Institute Mr. Partick DeGroot Managing Director Bounty Farm Mr. Orrin Gordon Managing Director Surapana Farm Mr. Godfrey Edwards Chairman Region 10 Farmers Association more details

Various LEAP commissioned studies completed in 2005 as well as feedback from the Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) project and other consultations inclusive of the Region 10 Farmers Association has recommended the development of demonstration farms as a methodology for introducing commercial and non traditional farm practices within Region 10.

The first study concluded that Demonstration Farms can effectively showcase the use of appropriate technology and provide a sustainable method of practical training for the adoption of improved agricultural production systems. Experience has shown that not withstanding the initial investment, on farm commercially operated demonstrations realize a significantly better transfer and absorption rates than research station model farms and have a higher potential to be economically self sustaining.

The second study concluded that the technology offered should not only be new and of “the future” but also be validated on site and simultaneously demonstrated to future procedures. The Demonstration/Validation Farm should offer what was considered as an experimental station, however, it must be pointed out that this farm must be located close to Linden in the first instance and be operated on a scale that reflects the commercial farm sizes as opposed to the relatively small plots as used on Experimental Stations.

While the 4th Programme Estimate makes modest budget provision for initiating the establishment of a two demonstrations sites. Further investigation has indicated that a single farm with more comprehensive and integrated demonstration systems would be preferable given the resourced available. Two other assumptions have also underscored the discussions and planning to date. That the demonstration should begin with a focus on crops and include effective water management as a first step. This had lead to preliminary investigation on introduction/validating approaches to drip irrigation and shelter/shade house technologies.

Objectives

What will the demonstration farm demonstrate?

The general objective of the Demonstration Farms is to expose farmers in the Region to new productive technologies resulting in more profitable commercial scale farming. This will result in increased production in the region contributing also to increased opportunities for employment and income in the agricultural sector.

A secondary objective will be to provide and collect data for replication and which will be made available for research/analysis, improving the technology and dissemination to farmers.

Approach

While demonstration of new methods will factor it is proposed that the emphasis be on demonstrating results.

It was agreed that the focus will be on crop production geared for the export market; as such the quality of the produce and the consistency of production will be important.

A host farmer will be selected to “co invest” with LEAP in the establishment of the demonstration. It is expected that the host farmer will also contribute to plant and other agricultural inputs and access basic farm equipment.

LEAP will invest directly or mobilize investment from other sources in the Technical Assistance, infrastructure, equipment and other inputs

Oversight and expert advice for the establishment and ongoing operation of the Demonstration Farm will be provided by a Technical Management Board. (TMB) comprised of agricultural experts.

A “working” co manager will be recruited to work on the farm, with host farmer.

A formal legal agreement will be signed between LEAP and the Farmer.

The duration of the agreement will be long term for a maximum of 3 years
And will include provisions for post agreement access

Selection of the First Demonstration Farm

The following is required:

• Owner or Manager must be resident on the farm
• Current output on the farm must be in commercial quantities
• Farm easy accessible (10 to 15 miles radius from Linden) with road easy
• Minimum of 10 to 15 acres and potential for expansion
• Water supply year round
• Good capacity to provide additional farm labour
• Capacity and readiness to new approaches and willing to work with LEAP Farm Co-Manager
• Willing to support transfer of technology etc. to other farms
• Adequate security to protect assets must be available

Sustainability

Development of the commercial potential of the agricultural sector in Region 10 is a significant LEAP focus. As such a number of activities will integrated in the annual work programmes and budget estimates to support this result. In addition the following are planned to specifically enhance the sustainability of the demonstration farm for a minimum period of 5 years.

• Ongoing development over the following three years supported by LEAP.
• Establishing the demonstration as part of a commercial farm operation intended to realize higher economic returns from the first year to ensure the commitment of the host farmer.
• Continued institutional strengthening of the RTFA to facilitate dissemination of the lessons learned as well as other support especially post LEAP.
• Recognition from the onset of the imperative of support from agricultural development agencies through incorporating “sponsorship” in the form of technical assistance and funding.
• Articulation and close monitoring of performance and results indicators.
• Broader communications and promotion of the work and achievement of the demonstration through LEAP’s communications activities to attract attention of possible donors and/or investors.