Palm Possible
Impact Report 2022
14
Natural Habitats
Impact Report 2021/2022
15
BOSCO RODRIGUEZ
FARMER WITH A VISION
SHORT INTRODUCTION TO THE FARMER It took a severe medical condition to prompt farmer, Bosco Rodriguez (Juan Bosco Rodriguez Intriago), to change the way he managed his farm. He diversified his crops and transitioned to organic practices, and achieved organic certification in 2019. Bosco manages his farm La Gaviota with his wife Luisina. His son Juan Diego recently joined the family business. The farm spans 43 hectares, of which 24 hectares are dedicated to oil palms. The family also grows cocoa, plantain, sugar apple, and coffee - creating and marketing their own coffee bean brand. Bosco is proud of what they have achieved together, and wants people to understand that his organic products are made by a happy farmer. BRIEF OVERVIEW OF HOW THEY WORK Though Bosco loves coffee for the beauty of the crop, he loves oil palm for its economics. The fresh fruit bunches that can be harvested continuously provide a steady source of income for him and his family. Bosco uses many organic techniques as natural fertilizer for the oil palms. This includes using the waste product from his diverse crops, such as pruned and fallen leaves, and the dropping of livestock who graze in the palm plantation on set days. The rich under-cropping also provides important nutrients for the soil. About 2 hectares of the land by the river has been left aside as a conservation area. An indigenous species of bamboo regenerated naturally on their land, which they extended. This bamboo patch is an important tool for water retention during the dry season. Managing a diversified farm, like Bosco’s, supports wildlife so it can thrive. The wildlife Bosco and his family regularly spot are possums, armadillo, sloths, anteaters, monkeys, and otters.
WHAT HAS CHANGED SINCE COLLABORATING WITH NATURAL HABITATS?
Bosco learned about Natural Habitats’ mission during a local conference. Soon after, he started to work with the Natural Habitat team, and began the process to become organic certified. The team also helped Bosco get RSPO certification by adding his farm to the broader Land Use Change Analysis that needs to be performed to qualify for RSPO. Having solid certification standards in place strengthens Bosco’s position as a fruit supplier, and provides him with access to international markets.
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