FAMILY FISH FARMS NETWORK TO GO TO ETHIOPIA
We just signed an MOU for a long term collaborative relationship with The Oromia Coffee Farmers' Cooperative Union (OCFCU) of Ethiopia to build 3 RAS based AP Farms within the Unions 300K Coffee Farm Cooperatives. The Union was the subject for the Cannes Film Festival award winning film, "Black Gold." Mr. Tedesse Meskela President of the Union has succeeded, over the opposition of Starbucks and others who control the global coffee business, in raising the farmer's share of the value chain from 1% to 10% and intends to add aquaponics to their offerings as both a food security and economic development strategy
The Family Fish Farms Network, Inc. will function as part of the larger economic development directorate created by the new partnership. Although details of the contract are still under negotiation, it is expected that it will be a multi-year and multi-million dollar agreement.
The Family Fish Farms Network, Inc. will function as part of the larger economic development directorate created by the new partnership. Although details of the contract are still under negotiation, it is expected that it will be a multi-year and multi-million dollar agreement.
The Ethiopian Sustainable Economic Initiative
Aquaponics
A Tool for Food Security and Economic Development in Ethiopia
Background
The principles of The Family Fish Farms Network have a history of engagement in social and environmental causes. As a result of that experience, Mr. Tedasee Meskala, Director of The Ethiopian Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union, contacted us. They represent 300K Coffee farmers in the most successful economic development effort in Ethiopia. Ethiopia is a country of some 96 million inhabitants. It is still recovering from a difficult and prolonged period of hard times.
Coffee a $100 Billion Industry – But not for the farmers
Until recently, global monopolies totally controlled the $100 Billion global coffee business. The Ethiopian Coffee Farmers received less than 1% of that revenue. Exploitation by major companies including Starbucks has impoverished the coffee farmers of Ethiopia. A film documentary of The Oroma Cooperative and Mr. Meskela (an Agronomist) received an award at The Cannes Film Festival: Black Gold
Our Program
In active cooperation with Mr. Meskela, we intend to build a network of aquaponic farms in and around the Ethiopian Farmers Cooperatives so that they can afford decent food and to generate some revenue as well. While we are seeking funding from US AID, the World Bank, The Gates Foundation and others, these funds will be slow to come and the need is now before another drought and another famine can hit the country.
A Network of High Efficiency Aquaponic Farms
Phase one of our plan calls for the construction of a demonstration project near one of the 13 schools The Cooperative has built for its members. This will provide both food for the local community and training for the students in growing fish and vegetables. In phase two, we will build two commercial farms. One will be built in Addis Ababa and one in the districts. Phase three will begin a national construction project.
How You Can Participate
If you would like to learn more watch this page and site as we intend to publish regular updates on our progress.
Aquaponics
A Tool for Food Security and Economic Development in Ethiopia
Background
The principles of The Family Fish Farms Network have a history of engagement in social and environmental causes. As a result of that experience, Mr. Tedasee Meskala, Director of The Ethiopian Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union, contacted us. They represent 300K Coffee farmers in the most successful economic development effort in Ethiopia. Ethiopia is a country of some 96 million inhabitants. It is still recovering from a difficult and prolonged period of hard times.
Coffee a $100 Billion Industry – But not for the farmers
Until recently, global monopolies totally controlled the $100 Billion global coffee business. The Ethiopian Coffee Farmers received less than 1% of that revenue. Exploitation by major companies including Starbucks has impoverished the coffee farmers of Ethiopia. A film documentary of The Oroma Cooperative and Mr. Meskela (an Agronomist) received an award at The Cannes Film Festival: Black Gold
Our Program
In active cooperation with Mr. Meskela, we intend to build a network of aquaponic farms in and around the Ethiopian Farmers Cooperatives so that they can afford decent food and to generate some revenue as well. While we are seeking funding from US AID, the World Bank, The Gates Foundation and others, these funds will be slow to come and the need is now before another drought and another famine can hit the country.
A Network of High Efficiency Aquaponic Farms
Phase one of our plan calls for the construction of a demonstration project near one of the 13 schools The Cooperative has built for its members. This will provide both food for the local community and training for the students in growing fish and vegetables. In phase two, we will build two commercial farms. One will be built in Addis Ababa and one in the districts. Phase three will begin a national construction project.
How You Can Participate
If you would like to learn more watch this page and site as we intend to publish regular updates on our progress.
29/09/2014
USDA Awards Over $52 Million in Grants to Grow Organic and Local Food Economies
DOSWELL, Va., Sept. 29, 2014 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the award of over $52 million in support of the growing organic industry and local and regional food systems through five U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant programs. The Secretary made the announcement during an event with Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe and First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe and local farmers at the Virginia State Fair.
USDA Awards Over $52 Million in Grants to Grow Organic and Local Food Economies
DOSWELL, Va., Sept. 29, 2014 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the award of over $52 million in support of the growing organic industry and local and regional food systems through five U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant programs. The Secretary made the announcement during an event with Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe and First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe and local farmers at the Virginia State Fair.
The Green Ivy City Alliance
This Position Paper describes a Triple Bottom Line approach to Commercial Real Estate Development. The Alliance employs a model called, The Sustainable Eco Campus as the economic driver to assure sustainability and project self reliance.
This Position Paper describes a Triple Bottom Line approach to Commercial Real Estate Development. The Alliance employs a model called, The Sustainable Eco Campus as the economic driver to assure sustainability and project self reliance.
