OSCE Centre supports discussions on organic farming and green economy in Kazakhstan
ASTANA, 24 November 2014 - An OSCE-supported roundtable discussion on green technologies with a focus on organic farming took place today in Astana.
The event was co-organized by the OSCE Centre in Astana and the Coalition for a Green Economy and G-Global Development for some 30 government officials, parliamentarians, representatives from the business community, academia and non-governmental organizations from across the country.
The participants discussed with national and international experts from the Russian Federation the latest technologies in vermiculture (composting with worms) and organic fertilizer methods. They also discussed the role of the state in setting up a legal framework for effective organic farming and incentives for agribusiness. A set of concrete recommendations in this regard will be published shortly after the event.
“The current methods of farming in Kazakhstan are leading to the destruction of natural vegetation that protects the land from erosion and accelerate the process of soil mineralization, which result in drastic decline of its fertility, crops yields and harvest as a whole,” said Ambassador Natalia Zarudna, Head of the OSCE Centre in Astana. “The development of organic farming, the introduction of vermiculture technology and vermicomposting, can contribute to solving the problem. One of the goals of this roundtable discussion is to help consolidate support for organic farming in society.”
Aigul Solovyova, Member of Kazakhstan’s Parliament and Chair of the Coalition Board for Green Economy and G-Global Development, said: “Environment-friendly economic development, with a focus on high-tech farming and increased agricultural productivity, is one of the main principles of ‘green’ growth. The national concept of the transition to a green economy as well as a draft law on organic farming creates opportunities for the effective implementation of this principle in Kazakhstan.”
The event is part of the Centre’s long-standing efforts to promote green growth and sustainable development principles.