Increasing the quantity and quality of agricultural products is key to improving the nutrition and livelihoods of villagers across Laos. However, it is equally important to do so in a way that preserves natural resources for use by future generations. VFI’s Green Earth training centre gives Lao farmers the resources and knowledge to farm sustainably and thus increase their livelihood opportunities and incomes.
Green Earth is located on the BOLAVEN “Small Loop”, about 1.5 hours from Pakse in Lao Ngam District, Salavan Province, and about 500 meters from the District center. Attractions include great weather, beautiful mountain scenery, coffee plantation, traditional Lao villages, and wonderful Lao people. The loop is home to dozens of waterfalls, including Tad Fane, Tad Itou, and Tad Yuan on the Plateau, and Tad Lo and Tad Pa Suam just near Green Earth.
Check out Green Earth Center’s aerial view video. Here
A main goal of Green Earth is to demonstrate new and adapted farming approaches to local farmes to increase their incomes, especially as they face land and food insecurity.
Farm highlights include:
Green Earth includes dorms, a training rooms, and in-farm training venues. We provide facilities and trainers upon request, for daily, weekly, and longer periods. We provide training on a wide range of topics so please contact us for details.
Farmers lack technical support, access to new ideas, and timely market information. They typically sell at the lowest possible price and are reluctant to change unless they can see opportunity with their own eyes. Green Earth allow them to observe useful innovations and hands-on training to introduce them in their own villages.
Green Earth works with local communities to add value to raw agricultural and timber products, as a strategy to increase farm incomes. Opportunities abound to process products, but techniques, storage and a host of other issues prevent communities from benefiting from their own raw materials.
Linking producers and consumers locally:
The Eco-Market includes:
GEC strives to exemplify sustainable farming practices in action. We follow no-waste farming practices, use zero chemicals, and collect rainwater for crop irrigation to minimize our environmental impact.
Explore GEC by watching our video, or read our year-end report for more information on our programs.
GEC sells a variety of food products including Mak Mao (forest blackcurrant) wine, passion fruit juice, pineapple jelly, banana chips, and various types of jam. These are available for purchase, along with handmade goods crafted by shelter residents.
Contact:
+85620 5564 8456 (Lao Ngam)
+85620 2986 6650 (Vientiane Capital)
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Phonsavanh Tai village, Sisattanak district, Vientiane capital, Lao PDR.