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ORGANIC FARM JOURNAL (HOPE FOR THE ISLAND)
GRS 497: Hope for the Island Farm Internship in Siargao, Philippines
May 4 – July 25, 2016
By: Ryah Rondolo
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Summary
II. Introduction
1. Author’s Background
2. Background on HOPE Organic Farm
3. Purpose of HOPE Organic Farm
III. Sustainable Agricultural Techniques at the HOPE Farm:
1. Effective Microorganisms
2. Crop Rotation
3. Legume Usage and Intercropping
4. Composting
i. Aerobic Composting
ii. Anaerobic Composting
iii. Vermiculture
5. Mulching and Minimal Tillage
6. Livestock Integration
IV. Conclusion
V. Acknowledgement
I. SUMMARY
In this journal, I discuss the organic farming techniques that I have observed, learned, and
applied in the field during my three-month internship at the Hope for the Island Organic
Farm. These techniques include the use of Effective Microorganisms, crop rotation,
intercropping, composting, and livestock integration. The HOPE farmers adopted these
techniques after a combination of research, education, sharing knowledge with other
farmers, and most importantly, years of experimenting and trial and error.
II. INTRODUCTION
It was an honor to have been the first farm intern at the HOPE Organic Farm. The HOPE
farmers put so much hard work, love, and care into the farm, and it was an invaluable
experience to learn from them and work alongside them during my internship.
The family who maintain the farm was generous in sharing with me their knowledge
acquired from their seven years’ experience in organic farming.
Picture 1 HOPE farm family sells produce at a nutrition festival in Siargao
Picture 2 I shared many laughs with the farm family during my time at the farm
1. Author’s Background
I am currently a student at the University of British Columbia (UBC), completing a
Bachelor of Science in Global Resource Systems. Prior to starting my farm internship
in Siargao, I had minimal hands-on farming experience. I took sustainable agriculture
courses during my second year of university studies1 and established a basic
theoretical understanding of agriculture. My farm internship at the HOPE Organic
Farm helped me to solidify and advance my knowledge and skills in this area. I was
able to closely observe a complex organic farm system over three months and gain
plenty of hands-on experience such as planting and harvesting a variety of crops,
removing weeds, and shoveling/harvesting some good ol’ goat manure (excellent for
the plants, but definitely not good for the nose - haha).
My career aspiration is to work with a non-profit organization like Hope for the
Island, specializing in international development and sustainable agriculture. The
internship was truly one of the best experiences of my life, and it has further
encouraged me to pursue my goal to work full-time in this field after graduation.
1 Courses include Applied Biology (APBI) 260 – Intro to Agroecology, Land & Food Systems (LFS) 250 – Land, Food and Community II, and Food & Resource Economics (FRE) 340 – International Agricultural Development
Picture 3 I help pack produce for delivery to the resorts across the island
2. Background on HOPE ORGANIC FARM
The HOPE Organic Farm is located in Siargao, Philippines. Siargao is a small island
located in the northern Mindanao region of the Philippines; it has a tropical climate
(see Pictures 3 and 4). The tropical climate allows for continual food production at
the farm year-round.
The main customers of the HOPE farm produce are resorts in the tourist areas of
Siargao. Resort owners place weekly orders and the HOPE farmers harvest
accordingly. Siargao is relatively undeveloped compared to other areas in the
Philippines; there is a burden of poverty in many of the Siargao communities, and
most locals cannot afford to purchase high value organic produce from the HOPE
farm.
Picture 5 Map of Philippines (2016) Picture 4 Map of Siargao (2016)
The HOPE Organic Farm was established in 2009 by Derek and Jenn Van Ryckeghem,
the directors of Hope for the Island. While the farm is managed by the Van
Ryckeghems, the main HOPE farmers are Herdel and Ana Loyola.
The HOPE Organic Farm is three hectares. A wide variety of vegetable and fruit crops
are grown including kale, lettuce, eggplant, tomatoes, Swiss chard, beets, okra, long
beans, asparagus, kangkong, pechay, herbs, sweet potato, coconuts, bananas,
rambutan, and papaya. Goats, sheep, and ducks are also raised on the farm. The
agricultural techniques used on the farm are based on Keith O. Mikkelson’s farming
system and book, Sustainable Agriculture: A Natural Farming System in the Tropics
(Mikkelson, 2005). Keith Mikkelson is the Founder and Executive of Aloha House Inc.,
a non-profit organization that is located on an organic farm in Palawan, Philippines
Picture 7 Me (right) with farm managers, Derek & Jenn Van Ryckeghem
Picture 6 Herdel & Ana Loyola, HOPE Farmers
(Mikkelson, 2005). Throughout this journal, I describe and explain Mikkelson’s system
as utilized and adapted at the HOPE farm.
Picture 8 View of the HOPE Farm from the corn/peanut fields
Picture 9 The heart of the HOPE Farm, the greenhouse.
3. Purpose of HOPE Organic Farm
The HOPE farm produces fresh, healthy
food for local Siargao communities in a
sustainable way – it is good for both the
people and the environment. The purpose
of operating the HOPE organic farm,
however, goes beyond just producing food.
Hope for the Island is a non-profit
organization that strives to alleviate the
burden of poverty in the local community
by offering youth and children’s ministry
programs and feeding programs for
malnourished children and elderly. The
profits from the farm allow the
organization’s programs to develop and be
sustainable (D. Van Ryckeghem, personal communication, 2016). Each
purchase made at the HOPE farm provides customers with organic quality local
produce that in turn enables HOPE to give back to the Siargao community through
their ministries and programs. In the future, the organization hopes to teach
sustainable agricultural techniques within local schools, promoting the benefits of
organic farming for the environment and for the local community.
Picture 10
III. SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL TECHNIQUES AT THE HOPE FARM:
1. Effective Microorganisms:
Background: One of the main organic farming techniques at the
HOPE farm is the use of “effective microorganisms”. In the 1980s, Dr.
Teruo Higa, a professor at the University of Ryukyus in Okinawa,
Japan, developed a technology that uses a combination of beneficial
microorganisms to prevent disease and efficiently convert waste into
organic amendments, feed stock, and fertilizer (Zhou, Li, Jun, & Bo,
2009; Mikkelson, 2005, p. 36). This technology is called Effective
Microorganisms (EM1). EM1 contains a combination of more than 80
strains of beneficial, naturally occurring (non-GMO) microorganisms
in a brown, liquid solution (Zhou, Li, Jun, & Bo, 2009; Mikkelson, 2005, p. 36).
These specially selected symbiotic microorganisms include lactic acid bacteria,
yeasts, photosynthetic bacteria, molds, and fermenting fungi (Mikkelson,
2005, p. 43). Working together, the beneficial microorganisms enhance the
quality of the soil and feed while minimizing disease (Zhou, Li, Jun, & Bo,
2009; Mikkelson, 2005, p. 36). EM1 can be applied (sprayed) on crops and soil
as well as in compost, livestock bedding/bedding, manure, and feed (Zhou, Li,
Jun, & Bo, 2009). It has also been used in environmental protection such as
“waste deodorization, wastewater treatment, and eutrophication control”
(Zhou, Li, Jun, & Bo, 2009).
Picture 11 EM1 product used at the HOPE farm
With high organic matter in the soil, the application of EM1 increases EM
populations in the soil (Mikkelson, 2005, p. 42); these EMs outcompete the
pathogens, thus suppressing soil borne diseases.
Phototrophs in EM1 convert and synthesize sun energy into plant food that is
taken through the stomata. The microorganisms can also use heat energy
instead of sunlight to convert organic matter into fertilizer or higher quality
feed (Mikkelson, 2005, p. 37).
In livestock housing, spraying EM1 on the bedding, cement, and housing
minimizes methane gases and ammonia as the EMs work to biologically out-
compete the pathogens (Mikkelson, 2005, p. 40). It helps minimize the stench,
improve animal health, increase the fertilizer value of manure, and enhance
the manure’s humus increasing capacities when applied to soil (Scheub,
2016).
1. Use of compost, manure, other organic fertilizers ↑ Organic matter in soil
2. Application of EM1 ↑ EM in soil EM outcompete pathogens ↓ pathogens
and soil borne diseases
Diagram 1 – Concept of EM
Picture 12 Ana sprays the goat house with EME
The main limitation of EM1 is the problem of “reproducibility and lack of
consistent results” (Higa & Parr, 1994). Ecologists Megali, Schlau, & Rasmann
conducted a meta-analysis assessing the effect of EM on plant growth and
yield (2015); they find that EM has indeed resulted in increased crop yields
and growth, “matching or even outperforming plants treated with
conventional chemical fertiliser”, however, there have been cases where it
has also resulted in decreased plant defenses against insect pests (Megali et
al., 2015; Megali, Glauser, & Rasmann, 2014). In a study by Megali, Glauser, &
Rasmann, for example, they found that tomato crops treated with EM
“sustained 25% higher insect survival”; they explain that the EM-treatment
resulted in impairment of chemical defence production in the plants (2014).
Due to the species-specific effects of EM, Megali et al. highlight the
importance of conducting “localized, species-specific field tests [which] should
be performed before broad application” of products such as EM1 (Megali et
al., 2015).
At the HOPE farm: we use EM1 as the base for “Effective Microorganisms
Extended” (EME). To make EME, we dilute the EM1 with water and add
molasses. The lactic acid bacteria “consumes the sugars and causes the EM to
go dormant, granting a stable shelf life” (Mikkelson, 2005, p. 54). We spray
EME on the crops and soil as well as in livestock feed and housing. We also
use EME for EM Bokashi (see section on Anaerobic Compost for further
details).
Picture 13 Ana makes EME (EM1, Water, and Molasses)
Picture 14 Ana and Herdel apply EME when making livestock feed
Personal Comments: The EM technology is one of the few sustainable agricultural
techniques implemented at HOPE that I hadn’t studied or heard about before. I
understood the importance of beneficial microorganisms in the soil, but prior to my
internship, I had not known about the specific EM technology. I’m glad to have
learned about it during my time at the HOPE farm. From my observation, HOPE
farmers find EM a straightforward technology to use, and it enhances crop yield and
growth, suppresses soil borne diseases, reduces odors in livestock housing, and
increases soil fertility. EM1 is also easily available as it is “sold in over 120 countries”
including the Philippines (EM Research Organization, 2016). Nevertheless, there have
indeed been some pest issues at the HOPE farm, but it is uncertain if it is simply due
to the lack of chemical pesticides, or whether the application of EM (and possible
weakened plant defenses as a result) have caused pest issues to become more
severe. It would be interesting and helpful to conduct species-specific tests at the
HOPE farm regarding EM use and pest attacks.
2. Crop Rotation
Crop rotation involves diversifying the beds with different crops (as opposed to
maintaining monocultures) to avoid problems such as increased disease and pest
attacks and soil infertility/exhaustion of nutrients (Mikkelson, 2005, p. 73). It is a
common technique that I have studied in my academic courses, so it was no surprise
that it is being implemented at the HOPE farm. There are 85 crop beds at the HOPE
farm; in them, over 30 different crops from nine different crop families are being
grown.
One of my projects as a farm intern was to enhance the efficiency of record keeping
at the farm; this is included making an electronic copy of the crop rotation order with
crop family color coding (see Spreadsheet 1) as well as creating an Excel spreadsheet
for bed inventory (Spreadsheets 2 and 3)2.
2 I have included the complete Excel spreadsheets in the internship package
Picture 15 Different crops are grown in rotation in the beds, increasing the biodiversity at the HOPE farm
Order # Crop Notes
1 Legume/Bean Family
2 Cabbage & Mustard Family (Brassicaceae)
3 Lettuce
4 Marigold/Onion Use marigold only if bed has disease
5 Lettuce
6 Corn Plant only Feb-Sep (sunny months only)
7 Kangkong
8 Nightshade (Solcuaceae, Eggplant, Pepper, Potato, Tomato) Nightshade cannot be planted on same bed for 3 years
9 Lettuce
10 Beet Root (Beets, Swiss Chard)
11 Legume/Bean Family
12 Lettuce
13 Carrot Family, Celery, Parsley, Parsnip Carrots cannot be planted on same bed for 3 years
14 Herbs (Basil, Oregano, Mint, Coriander, Turmeric)
15 Mallow Family (Okra)
16 Herbs (Basil, Oregano, Mint, Coriander, Turmeric)
17 Lettuce
18 Legume/Bean Family
19 Cabbage & Mustard Family (Brassicaceae)
20 Lettuce
21 Marigold Always use in second cycle
22 Onion
23 Lettuce
24 Corn Plant only Feb-Sep (sunny months only)
25 Kangkong
26 Lettuce
27 Beet Root (Beets, Swiss Chard)
28 Legume/Bean Family
29 Lettuce
30 Herbs (Basil, Oregano, Mint, Coriander, Turmeric)
31 Mallow Family (Okra)
32 Lettuce
33 Squash Family (Umpalaya, Cucumber)
Proceed back to 1 at beginning
ROTATION ORDER
Spreadsheet 1 – HOPE Crop Rotation Order (Sample)
Bed # Rotation # May Rotation # Jun
1 Lettuce 31 Mallow Family (Okra)
2 Herbs 16 BP
3 Herbs 30 Herbs
4 BP 2 BP
5 Nightshade 8 Nightshade
6 Herbs 16 BP
7 Beet Root Family 27 Beet Root Family
8 Mallow Family (Okra) 30 Herbs
9 Mallow Family (Okra) 30 Herbs
10 Carrot Family 13 Carrot Family
11 Beet Root Family 10 Beet Root Family
12 Asparagus Asparagus
13 Cabbage & Mustard Family (Brassicaceae) 19 Cabbage & Mustard Family (Brassicaceae)
14 Carrot Family 14 Herbs
15 Cabbage & Mustard Family (Brassicaceae) 2 Cabbage & Mustard Family (Brassicaceae)
16 BP 1 Legume/Bean Family
17 Nightshade 1 Legume/Bean Family
18 Lettuce 8 Nightshade
19 BP 1 Legume/Bean Family
20 Carrot Family 13 Carrot Family
Bed Rotation Log (May - Dec 2016)
Spreadsheet 2 – Master Bed Inventory (Sample)
Bed # Rotation Order # Crop Family Crop 1 Crop 2
1 31 Mallow Family (Okra) Okra
2 17 RT RT
3 30 Herbs Common mint
4 3 Lettuce Lettuce
5 8 Nightshade Eggplant
6 17 Lettuce Lettuce
7 27 Beet Root Family Beets Petchay
8 30 Herbs Pesto basil
9 30 Herbs Common mint
10 13 Carrot Family Parsley
Bed Rotation Log (July 2016)
Spreadsheet 3 – Monthly Bed Inventory (Sample)
3. Legume Usage & Intercropping
To add nitrogen to the farming system organically, the HOPE Farmers plant nitrogen-
fixing legumes (e.g. mung bean, long beans) in the beds as part of the crop rotation.
Arachis pintoi (called “mani-mani” in the Philippines) is also used at the farm as living
mulch.
The HOPE farmers also practice intercropping/companion planting for pest control.
For example, heavily scent crops (e.g. green onions, basil) are planted with crops in
the cabbage family (e.g. arugula, kale, petchay). The heavy scent repels the insect
pests and prevents them from attacking the cole crops (A. Loyola, personal
communication, 2016). Marigolds are also included in the crop rotation, as they can
be highly toxic to plant-parasitic nematodes (Wang, Hooks, & Ploeg, 2007; Mikkelson,
2005, p. 93). An added bonus of companion planting is that it helps use up the space
efficiently, while increasing the biodiversity at the farm (Mikkelson, 2005, p. 91).
Picture 16 Arachis pintoi is planted between the beds as living mulch
Picture 17 Green onions are used as a companion plant at the HOPE Farm
Video 1 I learn about companion planting at the farm (Kale & Basil) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_Gez8VftQM
4. Composting
i. AEROBIC COMPOST
The HOPE farm uses both aerobic and anaerobic composting systems. For the aerobic
compost system, the HOPE staff stack approximately 1 m3 of crop residue and weeds.
Microorganisms break down the organic matter and produce humus; the heat
process from thermophilic bacteria eliminate both pathogens and weed seeds
(Mikkelson, 2005, p. 98; Trautmann & Olynciw, 1996). The HOPE farmers turn the
compost piles manually with shovels once a week to bring in air, accelerate the
process, and prevent the piles from spoiling and producing foul odors. The farmers
add EME, bokashi, soil, and manure to the compost which help in forming humus and
provide mineral nutrients and beneficial microorganisms (Mikkelson, 2005, p. 99).
They also add water to moisten the compost pile. After two to three months, the
compost is ready to use as fertilizer.
Picture 18 Aerobic compost pile at HOPE Farm
ii. ANAEROBIC COMPOST (BOKASHI)
Anaerobic composting involves fermenting, rather than decaying, organic material
(Mikkelson, 2005, p. 103). At the HOPE farm, they make ‘bokashi’ (Japanese for
“fermented plant matter”) through the anaerobic composting process using EM.
First, copra meal is mixed with seaweed, rice hull charcoal, and an EM solution of
EME, molasses, and water. The mixture is then sealed in a large drum for two weeks.
During this time, the beneficial organisms (EM) begin the anaerobic fermentation
process. The final product is a fertilizer that treats the soil with “beneficial
microorganisms, adds organic matter,
and feeds earthworms, helping them to
breed and populate depleted soils”
(Mikkelson, 2005, p. 200).
During bed preparation, the HOPE
farmers mix the bokashi in the soil (100g
/ sq. meter) and then till the bed with a
broad fork.
The HOPE staff also use bokashi to
ferment their kitchen wastes (1 kg / 20L
kitchen waste). They add bokashi to the
kitchen waste, pack it in air-tight
containers to keep the oxygen out, and
leave it sealed for two weeks to
ferment. The fermented kitchen waste is Picture 19 Bokashi is used in bed preparation for new crop
then mixed and covered with the soil (Mikkelson, 2005, p. 107). Organic wastes with
bokashi results in quicker availability of nutrients for the plants than organic wastes
without bokashi (Boechat, Santos, & Accioly, 2013).
There are several advantages of anaerobic fermentation; it takes less time than
aerobic composting, it does not generate heat or greenhouse gases, and nutrients
are not lost during the process since it is done in a closed system (Mikkelson, 2005, p.
103; Adam & Footer, 2013, p. 2, 8). Nonetheless, from my observation and
experience at the HOPE farm, there are also disadvantages such as the physical
labour required to make bokashi. According to HOPE farmer, Ana, one of the most
physically challenging tasks at the farm is
making bokashi. First, the HOPE farmers
must charcoalize the rice hull before
adding it to the bokashi mixture. Rice
hull charcoal (Carbonized Rice Hull) is a
dry harboring agent for EM (Mikkelson,
2005, p. 134). The HOPE farmers start a
wood fire and then smother it with rice
hulls in a pile. After three days of heating
the rice hull, the HOPE farmers must
cool it off with water to ensure that it does not turn into ash. In the scorching
summer heat, however, it can take hours of watering and turning the rice hull piles
(manually, with a shovel) to cool them down. In addition, since there is no machine
mixer at the farm, all the bokashi ingredients must be mixed manually with a shovel,
Picture 20 Ana collects the rice hull after the charcoalization process
which I can say from personal experience is physically taxing. In the future, it would
be helpful to acquire a machine mixer at the farm. Nonetheless, aerobic compost and
bokashi are key aspects in enhancing the fertility of the soil at the farm, so it is well
worth the hard work.
iii. VERMICULTURE
The HOPE Farmers also practice vermiculture; they feed compost and organic matter
to worms that excrete manure which is a valuable fertilizer, “rich in beneficial
microbial activity, and readily utilized by plants” (Mikkelson, 2005, p. 110). The end
product is called “vermicast”. The HOPE farm has a small shed where they have the
‘worm farm’. The feed for the worms is fermented kitchen garbage, which is covered
with compost as bedding. The worms travel to the surface of the bed and excrete
manure. The HOPE staff harvest the vermicasts every week, and use it in the potting
soil mix.
Picture 21 Vermicasts are an important part of the potting soil mix used at the farm (shown above)
5. Mulching & Minimal tillage
i. MULCHING
Mulching with rice straw keeps moisture in the soil, conserves topsoil, provides
fertilizer, and minimizes weeds (Mikkelson, 2005, p. 128-129). A layer of bokashi is
applied underneath the mulch to balance out the high carbon content of the straw
and provide nitrogen for the bacteria that break down the mulch (Mikkelson,
2005, p. 130).
Picture 22 Straw is used in 'papaya tree rings' as mulch
Video 2 Ana explains the reasoning behind the papaya tree rings (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggSiRUd
7SSs)
ii. MINIMAL TILLAGE
Minimal tillage prevents the disruption in microorganism activity compared to
continual plowing (Mikkelson, 2005, p. 143). It also minimizes soil compaction, which
can lead to flooding (Mikkelson, 2005, p. 143). After the initial plowing at the HOPE
farm, minimal tillage is practiced; a broad fork is used to put air into the soil without
turning it.
Picture 23 Plowing the field with a carabao. The fields are plowed only once to make the beds (and then never again). Minimal tillage is practiced and only hand tools are used after the first plowing.
Video 3 Land Preparation with a Carabao (https://youtu.be/X5cNUwTsDdc)
6. Livestock Integration
In addition to vegetables and fruits, the HOPE farmers also integrate livestock into
the farm system; they grow goats, sheep, and ducks. Livestock produces food to
eat, creates a low cost high quality fertilizer source, and is an excellent source of
income (Mikkelson, 2005, p.154-155).
Picture 24
Picture 26 Catching chicks is a feat! They run quickly, and at the same, you have to beware of their mother's pecks
Picture 25 View of the goat house on a sunny morning
Livestock feed at the HOPE farm is made of copra meal, sunflower seeds, rice bran,
oats, barley, molasses, salt, and limestone, fermented with EME (H. Loyola, personal
communication, 2016). The livestock are fed twice a day, in the morning and evening.
The feed “creates natural vitamins and health enhancing components that protect
livestock because EM is active in it” (Mikkelson, 2005, p. 156). HOPE farmers do not
inject the livestock with medications, antibiotics, or vitamins.
The goats and sheep graze in the afternoon. We also feed the goats “cut and carry”
hardy forage crops.
Picture 27 Adel (son of farmers Herdel and Ana) feeds the ducks with fermented grains.
Video 4 Cut and Carry Food for the Goats (https://youtu.be/WfKPWZg6AgY)
The goat house and duck living areas are sprayed with EME once a week to minimize
odors and flies. Goat manure is harvested every day.
Picture 28 Goat manure storage shed (always smells delightful!)
Video 5 Harvesting goat manure while Ana shares some words of wisdom (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqXznqmNKQ4)
Another of my projects was to create an Excel spreadsheet for goat identification
records. See Excel Spreadsheet 4.
Personal Experience: I had the privilege of taking care of newborn triplet baby goats
during my internship. Unfortunately, one of them did not survive past two weeks. As
I learned first-hand, it is difficult to successfully raise three kids since the mother only
has two utters. There is competition between the three kids, and the mother usually
rejects the weakest one (J. Van Ryckeghem, personal communication, 2016).
No. Tag Color Birth Date Horns Color Parents Notes1st Kidding
(1)
1st Kidding
(2)
1 blue yes brown, white 6 10
2 blue yes black, white 14
3 blue yes brown, white
16 blue yes white
9 blue 01-Dec-15 yes brown 16 First contender breeder
10 blue 01-Jan-16 yes white, brown 1
11 blue 01-Jan-16 yes brown, white, black 16
12 blue 01-Jan-16 yes brown, white, black 18
13 blue 01-Jan-16 yes white, brown 7
14 blue 01-Jan-16 yes white, black 2
15 blue 01-Feb-16 yes brown, black 24
17 blue 01-Feb-16 yes white, brown 7
5 blue 01-Jan-16 yes black, white 24
6 blue 01-Jan-16 yes white, brown 1
7 blue 01-Jan-16 yes white, brown, black 34
8 blue 01-Apr-16 yes white, black 21
7 green yes brown, white 13 17
16 green yes milky white 9 11
18 green yes brown, white, black 12
21 green yes white 8
24 green yes black, white 5 15
28 green yes brown, white (dalmatian)
34 green yes brown 7
HOPE ORGANIC FARM - GOAT IDENTIFICATION RECORD
Excel Spreadsheet 4 – Goat Identification Record (Sample)
Picture 31 Baby goats are one day old Picture 30 Ten days old
Picture 29 Last few moments of "Berry-berry"'s life. Her brother "Apple" stuck with her until the end and even shed a few tears.
IV. CONCLUSION
With the implementation of sustainable agricultural techniques, the HOPE farm is able to
operate efficiently and effectively. HOPE farmers do not spend money on costly chemical
fertilizers, rather they create their own compost and bokashi using inexpensive local
ingredients and organic waste. Crop rotation, companion planting and mulching helps
with pest/weed control so that they do not have to buy chemical pesticides. Unique
technology such as Effective Microorganisms are also incorporated in the farming system
to enhance soil fertility, improve livestock health, and prevent disease. There are still
areas for improvement, however, such as farm record keeping. I worked with the HOPE
managers and farmers to create Excel spreadsheets and Word documents to enhance the
farm record keeping. Ultimately, the HOPE farmers have been able to successfully grow
high quality produce using the sustainable agriculture techniques described throughout
this journal. By doing so, they are able to provide healthy food to the local community in
an environmentally sustainable manner, as well as support the HOPE community
programs and ministries.
Picture 32
V. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to thank the Hope for the Island leadership team, Derek and Jenn Van
Rckeyghem, for providing me the wonderful opportunity to intern with Hope for the
Island. They welcomed me wholeheartedly into the HOPE family from the very beginning
and provided guidance throughout my internship.
I would also like to thank Roxana Quinde and Brent Skura for being my GRS 497E
supervisors. Thank you so much for providing academic support and guiding me through
my journey as a GRS student. It’s been a blast so far.
The HOPE farm family has taught me all I know about hands-on farming, from planting
tomatoes to scooping goat manure. They have such a big heart for the HOPE organic
farm, and I admire their extensive knowledge and experience in sustainable agriculture.
They were so helpful in showing me the ins and outs of organic farming in the topics.
The Hope for the Island staff helped me integrate into the Siargao community, teaching
me about the Siargaonon language and culture. We made plenty of good memories
together, and they have become my good friends. Throughout my time at HOPE, the staff
continually inspired me through their hard work, kindness, and passion for the HOPE
ministries and programs.
Thank you to the Fletcher family for providing the financial support for my international
travel and internship.
Finally, I thank my parents and my brother. Even when we’re over 10,000km away from
each other, they still manage to show me their constant love, care, and concern. I
appreciate it greatly.
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chemical changes with application of organic wastes with 'fermented bokashi compost'.
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