(The following is the declaration that came out of the International Conference on Natural Farming held in Jeju, South Korea on November 5-9, 2007 that was attended by AFA, represented by Treasurer Vicente Fabe and Project Officer Marciano Virola, Jr. SorKorPor, an AFA member in Thailand, also attended, represented by Chairperson Vikit and Secretary General Chaiwat Suravichai)
Our earth is screaming.
The natural ecological system has been broken, the climate has become abnormal, the chemical contamination has become an urgent issue worldwide, and the whole ecosystem has fallen into a crisis. The agriculture and the food supply are being threatened.
The small scale farming, where farmers live close to nature, utilize natural blessing respectfully, cultivate and lice as close families, is dwindling. Farm lands are moving toward the large scale mechanized farming where chemical fertilizers and pesticides are routinely used to improve the short-term productivity. A key consequence is the environmental pollution such as soil degradation and water contamination as well as the destruction of the food safety. More sales with more profit are emphasized over the steady delivery of safe food. This change in the farming philosophy helps hunger to spread throughout the world.
Today’s crisis in agriculture and food is largely caused by the efficiency-driven economy and scientific technology. Market economy is dominated by the survival of the strongest. The large scale farming supported by big capital investments is driving out the traditional small scale family farming which has been relying upon the natural power of the land.
Farmers have established the nature-friendly faming technology through age-old wisdom and experiences acquired raising crops and livestock generation after generations. The natural farming is a systemized compilation of these effort, experiences and wisdom of farmers living close to the good earth.
We, 1,300 participants from over 30 countries, gathered here in Jeju Island, Korea top celebrate 2007 International Convention on Natural Farming. We have exchanged and shared our passion for the natural farming, our love of the nature, our knowledge and natural farming technology developed by framers throughout the world. We are convinced that the natural faring is a promising way to overcome the difficulties in the food supply our earth is facing.
We believe that the natural farming is a blessing by the nature. It enables protection of our environment while proving is safe and nutrient-rich healthy food.
Here in Jeju, Korea, we proclaim:
“The Natural Farming is the way to produce the safe and healthy food. It allows the small scale farmers and the family farming to overcome the current crisis. It protects our fragile environment. The Natural Farming is the way for us to enjoy more prosperous and healthy lives.”
PROGRAM AND SCHEDULE
Introduction
Dr.Cho Han Kyu has been developing original method of Natural Farming (NF) for more than 40 years.
NF does not need any chemical agent but uses only locally available, natural and costless materials to obtain enough income for local family.
He has disseminated NF technique as well as its philosophy for more than 20 countries such as Japan, China, Mongolia, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, India, Vietnam.
Although he is already 73 years old, he is still vigorous in contributing to farmers’ welfare beyond country border.
Jeju island, Rep. of Korea is one of the typical area where a lot of NF farmers have been practicing in many field of agriculture for long years. We will hold a 5 days NF convention in this island. You may observe real evidence of NF there.
Through this event, we expect that NF will become a main stream in agriculture to reduce poverty and survive against unstable climate worldwide.
Your participation must be highly appreciated to change the world.
Hirowaka/AJPN-SA supporter, spokesman of Dr. Cho Han Kyu
On International convention on Natural Farming 2007 in Jeju island, Rep. of Korea
Executive coordinator : Janong, Natural Farming Institute
Sponsorship : Korean Productive Center, Asian Productive Organization
Support : AJPN-SA (Asia-Japan Partnership for poverty reduction- through sustainable agriculture)
Number of participating country : 30
Estimated number of participants : 150-200
Schedule
5th Nov at Worldcup stadium in Jeju island
*Opening ceremony
*Keynote speech : Dr. Cho Han kyu “Principle and Practice of Natural Farming”, Kusuo Nitta “Japanese experience in Natural Farming”
*Natural farming exhibition : photo, book, movie, products, data, etc
*Korean folk dance for welcoming participants
6th Nov at Sogito agriculture center
*How to propagate IMO, how to make NF liquid and how to make use of them
7th Nov in Jeju island
*Observation tour for NF practicing farm in Jeju island
:poultry, piggery, raising cattle, citrus, etc
8th Nov at Sogito agriculture center
*NF workshop devided into categorized group
*drafting declaration on NF
9th Nov at Worldcup stadium in Jeju island
*present a prize to remarkable NF farmer
*adoption of declaration on NF
*closing ceremony
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