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Organic vegetable production – Organic Farm “Mrowisko”
Published on 25 July 2018
Poland
Dolnośląskie
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
About this good practice
Organic Farm “Mrowisko” specializes in organic vegetable production (tomatoes, paprika, butterhead lettuce, iceberg lettuce under cover, radishes, cucumbers, aubergine, zucchini, pumpkin Hokkaido, carrot, beetroot, chive, dill, string bean). The farm does not keep animals, but produces compost, vegetable broth and plant extracts. The effects are achieved mainly by properly constructed crop rotation, composting, organic fertilizers allowed by Fertilizer Institute in Pulawy and manure purchased at organic farm – one in 3 years. Proper composition of neighbouring plants protects the cultivation from pest and diseases. The goal of the farm is the production of vegetables of high value and environment protection.
Starting the farm “Mrowisko” in 2002 the owners kept in mind food production of high quality, beneficial for human’s health and improving fertility of soil. The vegetables production in “Mrowisko” includes nature laws. The owners treat the farm as a living organism – providing natural protection from diseases and pests. It is very important also to preserve the biodiversity. The beginning of “Mrowisko” was very difficult, but it did not discouraged the owners and they persisted in their efforts. “When you work in the field of organic, you need to be patient and humble in regards of nature laws” – says Monika Mrowińska the owner of “Mrowisko”. After gaining experience in the field of vegetable cultivation, they decided to disseminate their knowledge by organizing visits
Starting the farm “Mrowisko” in 2002 the owners kept in mind food production of high quality, beneficial for human’s health and improving fertility of soil. The vegetables production in “Mrowisko” includes nature laws. The owners treat the farm as a living organism – providing natural protection from diseases and pests. It is very important also to preserve the biodiversity. The beginning of “Mrowisko” was very difficult, but it did not discouraged the owners and they persisted in their efforts. “When you work in the field of organic, you need to be patient and humble in regards of nature laws” – says Monika Mrowińska the owner of “Mrowisko”. After gaining experience in the field of vegetable cultivation, they decided to disseminate their knowledge by organizing visits
Resources needed
The organic farm did not use any external resources, “Mrowisko” developed slowly but effectively, becoming strong in itself. It is not excluded that external sources of financing may be used in the future.
Evidence of success
The year 2014 was the breakthrough for "Mrowisko". Exactly 10 years after obtaining the first certificate for organic food, the farm received an award in the competition "Economic Award of the Lodzkie Region" in the category: Green Economy. A great success is constantly developed educational activity. In 2017 "Mrowisko" hosted over 700 children from primary schools and kindergartens to learn them what the healthy food is.
Potential for learning or transfer
In the organic farm ,,Mrowisko,, since 2002, only organic vegetable cultivation has been carried out. Crops are based only on compost lands, a small amount of manure, seaweed extracts, slurry from nettles and other herbs. In the crop rotation, butterfly plants and soil healing are included. The farm runs educational activities. It educates kids and youth in the field of organic and healthy food. Visitors can observe and become familiar with the production of ecological vegetables, as well as plant vegetables themselves. The farm is also open to cooperation with the media and well-known chefs who visit the "Mrowisko" and cook there promoting organic food, which also has educational significance. This combination of organic crops and their sale, directly and through an online store, with educational activities is a perfect example and good practice to follow for those farms that would like to go to organic farming.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
Organisation
Organic Farm “Mrowisko”
Poland
Contact
Head of the Unit