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The Wólka Foundation supports small-scale organic agriculture in Poland.
Though the countryside and small-scale agriculture are still firmly linked together in many regions of Poland, it is especially so in northeast Poland. Many farmers produce organically on purpose in order to preserve the features of their beautiful countryside. However, in contrast to developments in West European countries, in Poland no consumer public has as yet awakened to the merits of organic farming in contributing to the maintenance of a healthy and pleasant environment to live in. The general public is not willing (or is not able) to pay a reasonable price for the organically grown products.
At present farmer economy in the area lacks capital to invest in maintaining and improving organic agriculture. Farmers are turning to new resources to boost their income. The Wólka Foundation helps them at two levels.
In the first place agro-tourism (staying at the farmhouse) has been initiated. This helps in conveying the surplus value of small-scale organic farming as an integral part of the conservation of the unspoilt landscape and wildlife associated with it, part of the national heritage. The Foundation has succeeded in creating an extensive network between hospitable farmers in the Biebzra marsh area and throughout the northeastern corner of Poland. It organises tourist programmes within this web. Birdwatchers make up a major target group, because they are well informed on the rich avian diversity in the area. Indeed, already farmers are catching up on back upkeep expenses and making new investments.
In the second, place because of modest proceeds acquired in organizing the agro tourism, the Foundation is giving practical financial help in advertising and in mediating for new markets. The aim is to get the farmers' products better known so they can finally turn the surplus value of the organic crops into money. Moreover, other farmers may become motivated to produce organically as well. |
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