With the good use of Fair Trade Funds, the Progressive Sugar Cane Producers Association (PSCPA) kicked off the month of August with Environmental Trainings to sensitize farmers on how their productions practices have an impact on their health, their loved ones and communities where they live. The training was hosted by Marla Quetzal from PSCPA and invited guest, Edgar Silva from the Pesticides Control Board. Farmers received insight on calculating the correct dosage of agrochemicals, safe use of pesticides and calibrating their equipment. Farmers also received a small training on First Aid Kit Basics by Pharmacist Jair Rosado from DR’s Pharmacy. The first workshop was held on August 1st at Patchakan to host members from Zone 4 and on August 8th the second workshop was held at the PSCPA Of fice to host members from Zones 1, 2 and 3. A total of 46 farmers attended these workshops.
Group leaders have also received First Aid Kits and rubber boots purchased from the Fairtrade Premium. Each zone is to receive an incinerator for disposal of empty containers. The adoption of these good practices by farmers should help farmers reduce their overall input costs, protect their personal and family’s lives and safeguard the surrounding environments which are impacted by the production of sugar cane. If farmers from PSCPA want to learn more about eld safety training, please contact your nearest zone leader, visit the PSCPA Office or give us a call at 302-1568.
In a similar vein, taking an opportunity of the out of crop season, the Corozal Sugar Cane Producers Association (CSCPA) hosted a similar Group Leaders’ Training Workshop for their farmers. These trainings were held on the 24th of August at the Corozal District with the assistance of DR’s Pharmacy and the Pesticide Control Board; similar topics were covered such as rst responder and agro chemical handling and application. The training involved all leaders of the associations comprising of harvesting group leaders together with the board of directors. Leaders were handed out PPE material such as gloves, respirators and chemical suits; they were reminded about the importance of the use of these personal protective equipment (PPE’s). The workshop was well attended with 40 leaders participating. Very important
information was shared related to these topics with excellent farmer participation in the question and answer session. The CSCPA is now preparing a second workshop in the area of diversi cation with sustainable markets. The ministry of agriculture has already been engaged to conduct workshop presentations.