Farmer-to-Farmer Compost & Organic Standards Expert

  • Contract

Company Description

The National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International (NCBA CLUSA) is the trade association for cooperative businesses in the United States and an international development organization. NCBA CLUSA provides cross-sector education, technical assistance, and advocacy that helps co-ops thrive. For nearly 100 years, NCBA CLUSA has sought to advance and protect cooperative enterprises, highlighting the impact that cooperatives have in bettering the lives of individuals and families. In the last 60 years, NCBA CLUSA has worked in over 100 countries in the areas of food security, agricultural development, strengthening of communities and farmer organizations, community-based health, natural resources management, and empowerment of smallholder farmers, women, and youth. We currently work in 21 countries in Africa, Latin America, and Asia.

NCBA CLUSA’s USAID-funded Farmer-to-Farmer program sends American farmers and agribusiness professionals on 2-4 week agricultural development assignments, promoting sustainable growth and agricultural development worldwide.  Volunteer technical assistance from U.S. farmers, agribusinesses, cooperatives and universities helps smallholder farmers in developing countries improve productivity, access new markets and conserve environmental and natural resources.  During COVID-19 we have shifted to a hybrid volunteer model that affords US volunteers and in-country volunteers the opportunity to continue to provide technical assistance.   For more information visit NCBA CLUSA Farmer-to-Farmer.

Job Description

NCBA CLUSA is currently seeking 2 (1- US volunteer and 1- volunteer based in Ecuador) qualified Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer candidates for the position of Pest Management & Organic Standards Expert to support Asociación Tsatsayaku based in Napo, Ecuador.

This association is comprised of 103 members; 59 women and 66 men from Kichwa and Mestizo families that produce fine aroma cacao.  Tsatsayaku’s members produce fine aroma cacao under the Amazonian chakra system which combines cacao production with other crops like wayusa, pineapple, papaya, lemon, orange, plantain, cassava, naranjilla, timber species and medicinal plants. They work along with local non-governmental institutions to improve productivity. However, the general misconception amongst the farmers is that organic production implies not adding any agricultural input to the crop and this puts the cacao plantation at risk (more susceptible to pests and diseases and weakens plant nutrition).  The selected volunteers would be able to recommend crop protection products or other effective crop protection measures within the organic production standards while ensuring adequate yields. 

Duration: 2 weeks, January- May 2021    

 

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

  • The volunteer will train participants on organic production under the USDA NOP(National Organic Program)  and EU organic regulations.
  • The volunteer will give guidance on organic cacao management to improve product homogeneity at the production level within the association.
  • The volunteer will give advice in agricultural input use to decrease losses due to pests, diseases, and inadequate nutrition practices.

Qualifications

  • A degree in horticulture is desired
  • Integrated pest management expertise
  • Knowledge of USDA NOP and EU organic regulations
  • Experience as an organic crop inspector is preferred
  • Available for virtual communications with Host Organization, Staff and Co-volunteer
  • US candidate must be legally able to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
  • Advanced English language skills; reading, writing, speaking.

Additional Information

All application materials must be submitted in English.

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

NCBA CLUSA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a commitment to diversity.  All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, age, and legally protected characteristics for non-merit factors.