Actor Jim Carrey, through the Better U Foundation (founded in 2005), is bringing hope to farm families in northern Haiti, by supporting the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), a method of growing rice that increases yields while reducing inputs. By reducing the amount of seed, water, chemical fertilizers and labor needed, SRI produces greater returns to farmers’ available resources and can lower production costs. This increases farmers’ incomes and increases the profitability of rice farming. The SRI method can also be used for growing other crops like sugar cane.

During the first week of June, Dr. Erika Styger, Director of the SRI International Network and Resources Center (SRI-Rice) from Cornell University lead the long awaited SRI Training of Trainers program in the Coronel – Dubre region. Seventeen Haitians achieved Level 1 Training of Trainers status and eight farmers were recognized as SRI Growers. Five demonstration plots were planted in Coronel and Dubre as part of the training.

Heavy rains delayed planting of the two large pilot fields each on 2.5 hectares because the land was too wet to use the tractor. These pilot plots will be planted later in June. In addition, the iF Foundation will introduce homegrown composting, small-scale mechanization and the installation of new mill equipment at our technical center in Coronel. The technical center will serve as the central support location for SRI production for rice and sugar cane through-out northern Haiti.

Together, Better U and iF are working to transform the region by supporting local communities, teaching farmers improved agricultural methods and by providing them with the tools and resources they need to be successful.

Learn more about the Better U Foundation :
The Better U Foundation supports sustainable innovations which transform people’s daily lives.
Better U is currently focused on expanding the use of SRI in Haiti to help rebuild the local rice economy and empower rice farmers.

Learn more about the iF Foundation :
The iF Foundation’s mission is to create sustainable economic opportunities for the disadvantaged in the developing countries of the world, enabling and empowering the people living in these communities to create their own pathway out of poverty.

HL/ HaitiLibre