Comments on: Learning within the organic sector http://www.organicguide.com/community/education/learning-within-the-organic-sector/ A complete guide for anyone interested in leading an organic lifestyle Sat, 12 Sep 2009 16:18:57 -0600 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: JOSEPH WANYOIKE NJOROGE http://www.organicguide.com/community/education/learning-within-the-organic-sector/comment-page-1/#comment-1607 JOSEPH WANYOIKE NJOROGE Fri, 14 Mar 2008 06:51:18 +0000 http://www.organicguide.com/community/education/learning-within-the-organic-sector/#comment-1607 IN KENYA, EAST AFRICA WE OFFER ORGANIC AGRICULTURE COURSES STARTING FROM CERTIFICATE TEN DIPLOMA FOR ABOUT ONE AND HALF YEAR FOR EACH COURSE. THERE ARE SHORT COURSES FOR FARMERS RANGING FROM 3 DAYS TO 2 WEEKS TO 2 MONTHS DEPENDING ON FARMER NEEDS. PLEASE ASK SPECIFIC NEEDS THEN WE CAN REPLY TO YOU. THANKS. KARIBU KENYA. HAKUNA MATATA! IN KENYA, EAST AFRICA WE OFFER ORGANIC AGRICULTURE COURSES STARTING FROM CERTIFICATE TEN DIPLOMA FOR ABOUT ONE AND HALF YEAR FOR EACH COURSE. THERE ARE SHORT COURSES FOR FARMERS RANGING FROM 3 DAYS TO 2 WEEKS TO 2 MONTHS DEPENDING ON FARMER NEEDS. PLEASE ASK SPECIFIC NEEDS THEN WE CAN REPLY TO YOU. THANKS. KARIBU KENYA. HAKUNA MATATA!

]]> By: wahab shakiru ademola http://www.organicguide.com/community/education/learning-within-the-organic-sector/comment-page-1/#comment-1318 wahab shakiru ademola Fri, 04 Jan 2008 16:28:29 +0000 http://www.organicguide.com/community/education/learning-within-the-organic-sector/#comment-1318 Dear Sir, How can somebody learn organic agriculture effectively?I am a farmer and I would like my cousin to learn organic agriculture as I beleive you will guide me right. Thank you. Wahab. Dear Sir,

How can somebody learn organic agriculture effectively?I am a farmer and I would like my cousin to learn organic agriculture as I beleive you will guide me right.

Thank you.

Wahab.

]]> By: Alison http://www.organicguide.com/community/education/learning-within-the-organic-sector/comment-page-1/#comment-804 Alison Fri, 09 Nov 2007 07:36:53 +0000 http://www.organicguide.com/community/education/learning-within-the-organic-sector/#comment-804 Enjoyed the article, thank you. I've WWOOFed in Australia and NZ and did a certificate in Organic Growing at Christchurch Polytechnic, NZ. What a full-on year that was! From there I ended up running an organic nursery for a while. Am now looking for employment elsewhere in the industry. Enjoyed the article, thank you. I’ve WWOOFed in Australia and NZ and did a certificate in Organic Growing at Christchurch Polytechnic, NZ. What a full-on year that was! From there I ended up running an organic nursery for a while. Am now looking for employment elsewhere in the industry.

]]> By: Charlie http://www.organicguide.com/community/education/learning-within-the-organic-sector/comment-page-1/#comment-394 Charlie Sat, 08 Sep 2007 06:43:50 +0000 http://www.organicguide.com/community/education/learning-within-the-organic-sector/#comment-394 <p>I wanted to study vet science but missed out by a few points this time. I've spent most of the year working on an organic dairy and believe in the principles which promote sound and healthy animals. Unfortunately vet science is a million light years away from being organic. I know there are some vets who use homeopathy etc but mostly they are marginalised and looked down upon by conventional farms. Ultimately I want to be a vet so will try again next intake. In the meantime I will continue dairying and learning more about organic principles.</p> I wanted to study vet science but missed out by a few points this time. I’ve spent most of the year working on an organic dairy and believe in the principles which promote sound and healthy animals. Unfortunately vet science is a million light years away from being organic. I know there are some vets who use homeopathy etc but mostly they are marginalised and looked down upon by conventional farms. Ultimately I want to be a vet so will try again next intake. In the meantime I will continue dairying and learning more about organic principles.

]]> By: Ester http://www.organicguide.com/community/education/learning-within-the-organic-sector/comment-page-1/#comment-393 Ester Thu, 06 Sep 2007 22:02:07 +0000 http://www.organicguide.com/community/education/learning-within-the-organic-sector/#comment-393 <p>I liked the comments on scientific reasoning in relation to teaching organic agriculture. I don't necessarily agree with them, but they are thought provoking.</p> I liked the comments on scientific reasoning in relation to teaching organic agriculture. I don’t necessarily agree with them, but they are thought provoking.

]]> By: E Royle http://www.organicguide.com/community/education/learning-within-the-organic-sector/comment-page-1/#comment-350 E Royle Sun, 02 Sep 2007 21:37:49 +0000 http://www.organicguide.com/community/education/learning-within-the-organic-sector/#comment-350 <p>A recognised qualification should get a foot in the door. One piece of advice.<br /> Organic producers and distributors are networked. If you offend someone, it can take a long time to reestablish your credentials.</p> A recognised qualification should get a foot in the door. One piece of advice.
Organic producers and distributors are networked. If you offend someone, it can take a long time to reestablish your credentials.

]]> By: Anthony http://www.organicguide.com/community/education/learning-within-the-organic-sector/comment-page-1/#comment-349 Anthony Sat, 01 Sep 2007 12:34:51 +0000 http://www.organicguide.com/community/education/learning-within-the-organic-sector/#comment-349 <p>In my experience, there's limited opportunities within the organic agricultural sector. Most entry level positions are seasonal and cannot provide a living wage throughout the year. This may change in the future but most people choose organics because they're passionate about the future of the planet and its inhabitants.</p> In my experience, there’s limited opportunities within the organic agricultural sector. Most entry level positions are seasonal and cannot provide a living wage throughout the year. This may change in the future but most people choose organics because they’re passionate about the future of the planet and its inhabitants.

]]> By: T Wayne http://www.organicguide.com/community/education/learning-within-the-organic-sector/comment-page-1/#comment-319 T Wayne Thu, 30 Aug 2007 00:04:44 +0000 http://www.organicguide.com/community/education/learning-within-the-organic-sector/#comment-319 <p>I find it amazing that anyone would suggest organic farming is not commercially viable. What industries in the world have enjoyed revenue growth of 25% per annum for the past 10 years? Admittedly, this growth has started from a small base, but importantly it has been sustained. I can assure you, you won't find too many!</p> <p>Every government around the world is investing in biotech and ICT. Why? To gain a competitive advantage. But they're missing the point. You erode any competitive advantage you might otherwise have obtained when you're merely copying everyone else. Don't get me wrong, there are biotech and ICT initiatives that do make significant sums of money. However, most of them are casino projects. Highly speculative. You require deep pockets to play and the returns (if you fold before you get to show your hand) are insignificant. The money routinely (and blindly) pumped into ICT/Biotech projects could have better application elsewhere.</p> <p>Smart nations, and more imortantly smart companies, should be seeking to apply innovation within the parameters of traditional industries (such as the food industry). Attempting to create value from scratch in new and emerging industries that are over subscribed to by every Western Government in the world is ludicrous.</p> <p>And the biggest problem of all - most of these so-called high tech industries (biotech and ICT) are nothing more than glorified R&D projects that will never see the light of day. Real, and more importantly successful, innovation is conducted by companies seking to resolve real world problems for which they do not have the in-house skill to tackle. It isn't done by researchers in white coats sitting in Universities.</p> <p>I would suggest to anyone considering a career in the organic sector that there will be very sound opportunities going forward.</p> I find it amazing that anyone would suggest organic farming is not commercially viable. What industries in the world have enjoyed revenue growth of 25% per annum for the past 10 years? Admittedly, this growth has started from a small base, but importantly it has been sustained. I can assure you, you won’t find too many!

Every government around the world is investing in biotech and ICT. Why? To gain a competitive advantage. But they’re missing the point. You erode any competitive advantage you might otherwise have obtained when you’re merely copying everyone else. Don’t get me wrong, there are biotech and ICT initiatives that do make significant sums of money. However, most of them are casino projects. Highly speculative. You require deep pockets to play and the returns (if you fold before you get to show your hand) are insignificant. The money routinely (and blindly) pumped into ICT/Biotech projects could have better application elsewhere.

Smart nations, and more imortantly smart companies, should be seeking to apply innovation within the parameters of traditional industries (such as the food industry). Attempting to create value from scratch in new and emerging industries that are over subscribed to by every Western Government in the world is ludicrous.

And the biggest problem of all – most of these so-called high tech industries (biotech and ICT) are nothing more than glorified R&D projects that will never see the light of day. Real, and more importantly successful, innovation is conducted by companies seking to resolve real world problems for which they do not have the in-house skill to tackle. It isn’t done by researchers in white coats sitting in Universities.

I would suggest to anyone considering a career in the organic sector that there will be very sound opportunities going forward.

]]> By: T Humbone http://www.organicguide.com/community/education/learning-within-the-organic-sector/comment-page-1/#comment-317 T Humbone Wed, 29 Aug 2007 06:50:12 +0000 http://www.organicguide.com/community/education/learning-within-the-organic-sector/#comment-317 <p>I wouldn't rush to leave a career in accounting Lani. Why not try and contribute in some way the skills you've already gained to the organic sector? They need accountants too you know! But then, I worked in accounting for 30 years and loved every minute of it - and I'm not as boring as that statement might suggest. In fact, I consider myself a very interesting man with many passions, one of which is organic gardening.</p> I wouldn’t rush to leave a career in accounting Lani. Why not try and contribute in some way the skills you’ve already gained to the organic sector? They need accountants too you know! But then, I worked in accounting for 30 years and loved every minute of it – and I’m not as boring as that statement might suggest. In fact, I consider myself a very interesting man with many passions, one of which is organic gardening.

]]> By: YG http://www.organicguide.com/community/education/learning-within-the-organic-sector/comment-page-1/#comment-318 YG Tue, 28 Aug 2007 13:38:28 +0000 http://www.organicguide.com/community/education/learning-within-the-organic-sector/#comment-318 <p>Of course thers jobs in organic farming. Heeps of oporrtunities are out there at the moment. This hole thing is growing and getting heeps bigger.</p> Of course thers jobs in organic farming. Heeps of oporrtunities are out there at the moment. This hole thing is growing and getting heeps bigger.

]]> By: Lani http://www.organicguide.com/community/education/learning-within-the-organic-sector/comment-page-1/#comment-316 Lani Mon, 27 Aug 2007 23:16:18 +0000 http://www.organicguide.com/community/education/learning-within-the-organic-sector/#comment-316 <p>I'm an accountant. I hate my job and have been considering retraining. I love everything the organic movement stands for and have been considering training in organic ag. </p> <p>Has anyone else here got experience in career changes later in life - particularly if you've gone from being a desk jockey to working in organic agriculture. Are there enough jobs out there?</p> I’m an accountant. I hate my job and have been considering retraining. I love everything the organic movement stands for and have been considering training in organic ag.

Has anyone else here got experience in career changes later in life – particularly if you’ve gone from being a desk jockey to working in organic agriculture. Are there enough jobs out there?

]]> By: Yearn for WWOOF http://www.organicguide.com/community/education/learning-within-the-organic-sector/comment-page-1/#comment-315 Yearn for WWOOF Mon, 27 Aug 2007 16:44:51 +0000 http://www.organicguide.com/community/education/learning-within-the-organic-sector/#comment-315 <p>I've heard the EU is imposing new restrictions on WWOOF participants and farms. Has anyone else heard this? I think they've already done something similar in the USA.</p> I’ve heard the EU is imposing new restrictions on WWOOF participants and farms. Has anyone else heard this? I think they’ve already done something similar in the USA.

]]> By: Percy Knight http://www.organicguide.com/community/education/learning-within-the-organic-sector/comment-page-1/#comment-291 Percy Knight Sun, 26 Aug 2007 21:22:52 +0000 http://www.organicguide.com/community/education/learning-within-the-organic-sector/#comment-291 <p>I love to WWOOF</p> I love to WWOOF

]]> By: Zara http://www.organicguide.com/community/education/learning-within-the-organic-sector/comment-page-1/#comment-290 Zara Sun, 26 Aug 2007 19:14:44 +0000 http://www.organicguide.com/community/education/learning-within-the-organic-sector/#comment-290 <p>Jen - you're right IFOAM is a good resource.</p> Jen – you’re right IFOAM is a good resource.

]]> By: Jen http://www.organicguide.com/community/education/learning-within-the-organic-sector/comment-page-1/#comment-282 Jen Sun, 26 Aug 2007 15:10:08 +0000 http://www.organicguide.com/community/education/learning-within-the-organic-sector/#comment-282 <p>I now use the IFOAM website as a general resource for organic issues.</p> I now use the IFOAM website as a general resource for organic issues.

]]> By: Becky Taylor http://www.organicguide.com/community/education/learning-within-the-organic-sector/comment-page-1/#comment-281 Becky Taylor Sun, 26 Aug 2007 05:11:10 +0000 http://www.organicguide.com/community/education/learning-within-the-organic-sector/#comment-281 <p>May I reinforce P Cumerford's request. It's difficult to evaluate training opportunities without some kind of synopsis of what exactly's being offered.<br /> There are a lot of distinct philosophies and a wide range of techniques currently lumped under the word "organic". The article is helpful but requires a little additional depth and some locally relevant contacts.</p> May I reinforce P Cumerford’s request. It’s difficult to evaluate training opportunities without some kind of synopsis of what exactly’s being offered.
There are a lot of distinct philosophies and a wide range of techniques currently lumped under the word “organic”. The article is helpful but requires a little additional depth and some locally relevant contacts.

]]> By: D S http://www.organicguide.com/community/education/learning-within-the-organic-sector/comment-page-1/#comment-280 D S Sun, 26 Aug 2007 01:04:33 +0000 http://www.organicguide.com/community/education/learning-within-the-organic-sector/#comment-280 <p>I've recently returned from a working holiday in Spain and Portugal. Among other activities, we managed to volunteer on several organic vineyards in the Douro. I certainly recommend Portugal, as a lively and friendly place for anyone interested in WWOOFING or exchange learning opportunities.</p> I’ve recently returned from a working holiday in Spain and Portugal. Among other activities, we managed to volunteer on several organic vineyards in the Douro. I certainly recommend Portugal, as a lively and friendly place for anyone interested in WWOOFING or exchange learning opportunities.

]]> By: Skeptic http://www.organicguide.com/community/education/learning-within-the-organic-sector/comment-page-1/#comment-279 Skeptic Sat, 25 Aug 2007 04:56:51 +0000 http://www.organicguide.com/community/education/learning-within-the-organic-sector/#comment-279 <p>Has anyone managed to grow an inorganic cabbage yet?</p> Has anyone managed to grow an inorganic cabbage yet?

]]> By: WILLOW http://www.organicguide.com/community/education/learning-within-the-organic-sector/comment-page-1/#comment-243 WILLOW Fri, 24 Aug 2007 01:53:07 +0000 http://www.organicguide.com/community/education/learning-within-the-organic-sector/#comment-243 <p>Self directed learning?</p> Self directed learning?

]]> By: S Vlack http://www.organicguide.com/community/education/learning-within-the-organic-sector/comment-page-1/#comment-242 S Vlack Thu, 23 Aug 2007 23:11:53 +0000 http://www.organicguide.com/community/education/learning-within-the-organic-sector/#comment-242 <p>The CSU course on sustainable agriculture is currently offered through distance education only. This may change next year.</p> The CSU course on sustainable agriculture is currently offered through distance education only. This may change next year.

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