Lobby group to unveil organic agriculture national strategy

TANZANIA Organic Agriculture Movement (TOAM) expects to launch a national strategy for developing organic farming in the country.

Being an umbrella of several organisations advocating for organic agriculture, the association said the strategy, which was designed in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, is also aimed at preserving indigenous crops and safeguarding health of consumers.

TOAM Executive Director Bakari Mongo hinted that the process to craft the strategy started in 2021 after getting the approval from the Ministry.

Mr Mongo noted that the document will come to support the implementation of the agriculture policy of the year 2013.

He was speaking in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday at a press conference to inform the media about the forthcoming Third National Ecological Organic Agriculture Conference (III-NAEOAC) which would be held in Dodoma in November, this year.

The conference is expected to bring together about 400 participants including farmers, academicians, researchers, civil society organisations, policy makers and consumers from both inside and outside the country.

The conference theme is; ‘Nurturing Nature, Harvesting Health’ which is aimed at catalysing the existing initiatives and processes to further move ecological organic agriculture from dialogue to actions.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage with industry experts, ask questions and gain valuable insights into the latest advancements in organic farming.

The conference will also provide a platform for farmers to share their experiences, challenges and success stories, encouraging a sense of community and collaboration.

Mr Mongo added that the conference would feature exhibition and sale of organic products and business development services.

Exhibitors from various sectors, including organic input suppliers, equipment manufacturers, organic food processors and retailers will showcase their goods and services.