Profile : Mount Jubilee
Organic Community Project
Location: upper Rio Cobre watershed in the parish of St. Catherine on the island of Jamaica
Environment: Beautifully nested between the rolling hills of the Rio Cobre watershed one of the most important watersheds of Jamaica. Because of its isolated location with steep slopes and a rather difficult terrain large scale agriculture is not possible leaving community members in a rather marginal but sincerely honest subsistence-farming situation. Surrounded by hills covered in secondary forest and lots of fruit-trees the live is humble and quiet.
Elevation: around 1000ft
Rainfall: around 2400mm
Seasons: Dry time January to March and July /August
Acreage: total of 30 acres divided between 4 farmers
In cultivation: 20 acre mostly with extensive fruit-tree/ traditional Agro forestry system
In forest/ natural habitats: 10 acre
Crops with economic potential : nutmeg , kola nut , cinnamon , cocoa , coffee , soursorp , pimento , coconut , banana , plantain , ackee , otahiti apple , guinep , tangerine , tomato , cabbage , peas
Crops for community subsistence : banana , plantain , breadfruit , orange , guava , variety of vegetables , hard wood

Project Background:

The coordinator and main farmer of this community is an organic farmer by heart and with many years of experience in traditional farming and community work .For many years a livelihood was possible based on traditional crops and marketing strategies ( such as coffee and cocoa ) . This situation however changed with the onset of globalization about 15 years ago making it more and more difficult to generate a livelihood in the community.
Project objective: Because of that OIC decided to assist in reviving a community livelihood through an alternative approach. By establishing a small but unique cottage industry around the few farmers, which came together committing to the project. The Coordinator has lots of traditional knowledge in preparing products in a homemade style out of the readily available crops on the farms such as: cocoa balls, roasted coffee, coconut oil, dried kola nut, nutmeg and mace, black pepper and dried sarsaparilla. All products are processed with simple methods and in a traditional way then packaged neatly and marketed to those who appreciate the extra care and love put into it resulting in a unique quality and flavor.
It is the intention to collect this traditional information, methods and recipes of processing their products and passing it unto younger community members through the activities of the project
We also have in mind to create an opportunity for our supporters or interested persons to visit the beautiful community and the project. This way you can experience this scenic rural community with its rural lifestyle and also taste the crops and products and participate in the preparation of our products. Commencement of this activity will be announced right here.

How can you assist this project:

1. A bimonthly two-day consultation (6x2=12 days per year) with the objectives of:
assisting in the overall development of the farms focusing mainly on improving organic farming techniques
to guide towards organic certification by JOAM to improve the management of the natural resources and to improve the agronomic performance assisting in the establishment of good processing techniques and product development based on organic standards, food safety standards and market dynamics assisting in the development of a gentle community agro-eco-tourism experience in the community for overnight visitors but eventually also for day tours.
Cost:
one of our OIC assigned consultant will conduct this service. Supporters will get detailed information and updates on development progress .The cost of one consultation per day is 200 US $ consultation fee plus travel expense of around 100 US$. The two day consultation can be done at a cost of 450 US$ including travel expense. Keep also in mind that our consultants will have work beside the visit on the farm to research, make crucial contacts and to report to the initiative and the supporters of the project. 6 x 2 day visit = 6 x 450US$ = 2700 US$ for 1 year
2. Farm equipment:
A professional bush-cutter for weed control between coffee, fruit trees and in and around the farm and fields. The project coordinator will be responsible for it and I maintenance program will be developed with the help of the consultant. This bush cutter will be used by all farmers participating in the project and save lots of time in weed control which can be put in the manufacturing of the products.
Cost: 800 US$
3. Construction of and equipping of simple but adequate processing facility. We will start small and step up as we develop. First equipment to be determined
4. Construction of a visitor’s cottage within the area of action. We located already a very nice spot so this is going to be great. Construction proposal and cost to be added shortly. Any contribution to it will be appreciated and put into a fund for it.

Status on OIC assistance 10th of September 2008:

- Two two-day consultations were conducted. One at the end of June and the second one in August. the cost of 2 x 450US$ were donated by a supporter of the project who committed himself to continue doing so for the first year
- No other donation was received so far.