2. Membership & Plot Rental Fees

2.1 FFGA Membership Fee:

• Annual membership fee: XCG 72 ($40) per year (January 1 – December 31)
• Mid-year membership: XCG 36 ($20) for memberships beginning July 1 or later
• Payment due: On or before January 1 (or registration date for mid-year memberships)
• No refunds after payment processing

2.2 Plot Rental Fees (Additional to Membership):

• Starter Plot (30m²): XCG 189 ($105) annually
• Family Plot (50m²): XCG 315 ($175) annually
• Expanded Plot (60m²): XCG 378 ($210) annually
• Premium Plot (100m²): XCG 630 ($350) annually
• Community Supporter (no plot): XCG 72 ($40) annually

2.3 Total Annual Cost Examples:

• Starter Plot Member: XCG 72 + XCG 189 = XCG 261(~$145) total
• Family Plot Member: XCG 72 + XCG 315 = XCG 387 (~$215) total
• Expanded Plot (60m²): XCG 72 + XCG 378= XCG 450 (~$250) total
• Premium Plot Member: ANG 72 + XCG 630 = XCG 702 (~$390) total

2.4 Payment Terms:

• Both fees due in advance upon membership approval
• Payment methods: XCG (Caribbean Guilders), USD, Euro, PayPal, bank transfer, cash accepted
• No refunds after 30-day grace period from plot assignment
• Annual renewal required for continued membership and plot access

2.5 Waiting List Policy:

• Aspiring members may pay the FFGA membership fee (XCG 72/$40) to join the waiting list
• Plot rental fees are NOT charged until plot assignment is confirmed
• Waiting list priority based on payment date and membership category preference
• Plot assignment notification provided 30 days in advance when plots become available
• Acceptance deadline of 14 days to confirm plot rental and pay plot fees

Waiting List Benefits:

• Access to educational workshops and HAICI programs while waiting
• Community events participation and networking opportunities
• The Keys Market vendor eligibility (if producing from other sources)
• CARET token earning through volunteer activities and community participation
• Priority notification for plot upgrades or cancellations

3. Plot Allocation & Assignment

Terraced Garden Layout:

• All 324 plots are arranged in terraced formations following natural land contours
• Plot assignments based on availability, accessibility needs, and experience level
• Members acknowledge and accept sloped terrain challenges
• Plot reassignment may be necessary for safety or operational reasons

Plot Boundaries & Marking:

• Clearly marked boundaries must be respected
• Members responsible for maintaining plot number visibility (!)
• No expansion beyond designated plot area
• Shared pathways and communal areas remain accessible to all members

4. Cultivation Standards

4.1 Organic Growing Requirements:

• Mandatory organic certification standards for all plots
• No synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers permitted
• Traditional Caribbean and approved organic methods only
• Soil amendments must be approved by FFGA agricultural consultants

4.2 Cultivation Expectations:

• Minimum 75% of plot area must be actively cultivated
• Crop rotation encouraged to maintain soil health
• Water conservation practices required (mulching, efficient irrigation)
• Weeds and pests must be managed using organic methods

4.3 Prohibited Crops & Substances:

Cannabis/Marijuana Policy:

• Cultivation of cannabis/marijuana strictly prohibited in all Community Garden plots (!)
• Zero tolerance policy – immediate membership termination for violations
• Legal compliance required with Sint Maarten drug laws and regulations
• No CBD or hemp varieties permitted without explicit government licensing
• Members responsible for knowing and following local agricultural restrictions

Other Prohibited Substances:

• Tobacco cultivation subject to local regulations
• Psychoactive plants and substances prohibited
• Invasive species as defined by Sint Maarten environmental authorities
• Any crops requiring special permits must be pre-approved by FFG management

Enforcement:

• Regular plot inspections by FFGA agricultural consultants
• Immediate reporting of violations to appropriate authorities
• No warnings given – immediate termination and potential legal action
• Cooperation with local law enforcement when required

4.4 Permitted Crops:

• Traditional Caribbean vegetables and herbs encouraged
• Heritage seed varieties supported through seed-saving programs
• Fruit trees and perennial crops subject to approval
• Invasive species strictly prohibited

5. Animals, Livestock & Pets

5.1 Pet Policy:

• Pets are welcome with responsible ownership and proper supervision
• Leash requirement – all pets must remain on leash at all times while on site
• Owner cleanup responsibility – immediate removal of pet waste required
• Pet registration – all pets must be registered with FFG management upon first visit
• Vaccination requirements – current rabies and standard vaccinations required
• Behavioral standards – aggressive or disruptive pets will be asked to leave
• Size restrictions – large dogs subject to additional safety assessment on terraced terrain
• Damage liability – owners responsible for any damage caused by pets

5.2 Livestock Policy:

• Small livestock permitted with express FFG management approval
• Poultry housing (chickens, ducks) limited to 25% of total plot area
• Goat / Sheep tethering – with prior FFG approval – for vegetation management with proper fencing
• Livestock housing must be secure, weatherproof, and heritage-site appropriate
• Animal welfare standards must be maintained at all times
• Veterinary care and health monitoring mandatory

5.3 Beekeeping:

• Beehives permitted with prior FFG approval and proper training
• Membership required in local beekeeping association or completion of FFG (HAICI) beekeeping course
• Hive placement must consider neighboring plots and heritage site visitors
• Insurance coverage recommended for beekeeping activities
• Swarm management protocols must be followed

5.4 Heritage Site Animal Considerations:

• Archaeological protection – animals must not disturb historical artifacts or structures
• Wildlife respect – domestic animals must not chase or disturb native species
• Organic certification – animal waste must be properly composted for organic standards
• Visitor safety – animals must be controlled around guided tours and educational programs

6. Infrastructure & Storage Solutions

6.1 Structure Limitations:

• Maximum 25% of total plot area for all infrastructure combined
• Height restrictions: Maximum 2 meters (6.5 feet) for all structures
• Shed dimensions: Maximum 6′ x 10′ (1.8m x 3m)
• Greenhouse/polytunnel: Maximum 8′ x 10′ (2.4m x 3m)
• No barbed wire or dangerous fencing materials permitted

6.2 FFG-Provided Storage Solutions:

• Hurricane-resistant storage sheds available for rental
• Modified shipping container sheds designed for Caribbean weather conditions
• Integrated rainwater collection systems included with rental sheds
• Professional installation and maintenance provided by FFG
• Rental fees charged separately from membership and plot fees

6.3 Temporary Structures:

• Shade cloth, trellises, and growing supports permitted
• Temporary structures must be removable for hurricane season
• All structures subject to heritage site aesthetic standards
• Traditional Caribbean building methods encouraged

6.4 Heritage Site Compliance:

• All structures must maintain visual harmony with 300+ year-old site
• Earth-tone colors and natural materials preferred
• No structures that obstruct heritage tours or archaeological features
• Approval required for any installation exceeding basic gardening needs