Greetings from Chile Saneters,
I am a former sanet subscriber that has been disconnected for several
months. I am a U.S. citizen working on an organic farm here in Chile
for one year, thanks to a Rotary Foundation Vocational Scholarship.
While the organic and sustainable ag movements in Chile are small,
interest is almost contagious. I speak to people everyday who become
enthusiastic about finding more sustainable solutions to their farm
management challenges, after speaking to someone who knows its
possible. For me this is demonstration of the notion that conversion is
90% psychological.
Besides reconnecting with sanet, I am writing with a couple of specific
questions.
1) A colleague of wife has asked my assistance in finding solutions to
eradicating horn flies in his herd of pasture beef cattle. Currently he
is using a "pour-on" medication, but he is afraid that this is affecting
the quality of the meat, and has health concerns for the people who
ultimately will eat the meat (he does not eat it himself). The cost of
this treatment is also becoming prohibitive.
In terms of non chemical solutions to horn flies, I have read about
wasps and beetles, as well as Bt, as possible biological control
agents. I have also heard mentioned large ventilators as well as
individual bathing machines aimed at removing the flies with wind and
water force.
I appreciate any ideas leads that you all might have on this topic. If I
remember correctly, there is also a grazing list, but I don't have the
subscription info. If someone has it, could you please send it?
2) My time as an apprentice comes to an end in May, and I am looking
for possible employment opportunities. I am married to a Chilean, and
we want to make a go of staying in Chile. There are lots of
possibilities in terms of business opportunities in the organic realm
here, but a lack of time on the part of producers to implement ideas.
Two things that come to mind right away are, first, organic seed
production (there is no such thing as commercially available organic
seed in Chile. For organic farmers in Chile, those seeds which can't be
saved must be bought from conventional sources. Is anyone aware of
organic seed producers that may be interested in doing business in
Chile? Second, organic certification. Is anyone aware of certifiers
who are doing business, or are interested in doing business in Chile?
My long term goal is to be a small scale organic farmer, but it will
take a while to reach this goal. I would greatly appreciate talking
with anyone who has ideas about how I can make a living in Chile working
in sustainable/organic ag. Obvisously, I am working hard at developing
opportunities here, but I also think there are great possibilities for
international exchange and collaboration.
Sorry for such a long message. Please feel free to contact me directly
if you have anything to contribute on the above topics.
Many thanks for your time.
¡Feliz año nuevo!
Brett Melone
Talagante, Chile (about 45 km south west of Santiago)
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