Farming Standards and Membership Obligations

FFG requires all farmers to follow strict organic cultivation standards, maintain active plot cultivation (75% minimum), practice water conservation and crop rotation, respect heritage site preservation, and comply with community standards for safety, security, and neighborly conduct. These requirements ensure sustainable agriculture, protect our historic site, and maintain a thriving farming community where all members can succeed.

Why Standards and Policies Matter

Clear rules create fair, successful farming communities. Without standards, some farmers could damage soil, waste water, introduce pests, or disrespect heritage features – harming everyone. FFG’s requirements protect your investment, ensure organic certification, preserve our 300-year heritage site, and maintain the community values that make Plantation Succour special. Following these policies ensures long-term sustainability and success for all farmers.

Who Must Follow These Requirements

All FFG partnership farmers must comply with requirements appropriate to their partnership level:

• Land Only farmers follow basic organic standards and site rules
• CSA Partnership farmers meet enhanced quality standards and delivery requirements
• Cooperative members uphold additional community participation and leadership standards
• All farmers respect heritage preservation and safety protocols regardless of tier
• Violations may result in warnings, fines, or membership termination depending on severity

Where Policies Apply

Requirements and standards apply across all FFG locations and activities:

• Individual farm plots – Cultivation standards, crop requirements, and maintenance obligations
• Plantation Succour heritage site – Preservation responsibilities and respectful conduct
• Shared facilities – Communal areas, equipment, storage, and processing spaces
• The Keys Market – Sales standards, customer service, and vendor conduct
• HAICI training facilities – Educational participation and community engagement
• All FFG activities – Events, meetings, tours, and cooperative functions

Compliance Timeline and Monitoring

Requirements are monitored and enforced on regular schedules:

• Monthly inspections – Plot cultivation, organic compliance, and maintenance checks
• Seasonal reviews – Crop rotation, soil health, and water conservation assessment
• Annual certification – Organic standards verification and membership renewal
• Ongoing monitoring – Heritage preservation, safety protocols, and community conduct
• Immediate enforcement – Prohibited activities result in immediate action
• Grace periods – New farmers receive 90 days to achieve full compliance

Organic Cultivation Standards

Required Organic Practices:

• No synthetic chemicals – Only approved organic fertilizers, amendments, and pest control
• Soil health focus – Composting, cover crops, and natural fertility building
• Integrated pest management – Organic-approved methods and biological controls
• Water conservation – Efficient irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and drought management
• Crop rotation – Seasonal rotation to prevent soil depletion and pest buildup
• Heritage seed preference – Priority for traditional Caribbean varieties when available

Prohibited Substances and Practices:

• Synthetic pesticides – No chemical insecticides, herbicides, or fungicides
• Chemical fertilizers – No synthetic nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium products
• GMO crops – No genetically modified seeds or plants
• Sewage sludge – No biosolids or municipal waste products
• Irradiation – No radiation treatment of crops or soil
• Prohibited plants – No cannabis, psychoactive plants, or invasive species

Certification Requirements:

• Organic certification – Required for CSA Partnership and Cooperative members
• Documentation – Maintain records of inputs, practices, and harvest data
• Inspection preparation – Annual organic certification inspections
• Compliance verification – FFG staff conduct quarterly compliance checks
• Certification support – HAICI provides training and documentation assistance

Plot Cultivation Requirements

Active Cultivation Standards:

• 75% minimum cultivation – At least three-quarters of plot actively growing crops
• Seasonal planting – Follow Caribbean growing seasons and climate patterns
• Weed management – Keep plots free of invasive weeds and maintain pathways
• Infrastructure maintenance – Repair terracing, borders, and irrigation systems
• Harvest timing – Remove mature crops promptly to prevent pest attraction
• Fallow management – Cover crops or green manure during rest periods

Permitted Crops and Plants:

• All traditional Caribbean crops and plants are permitted and encouraged. The examples below represent common choices, but farmers are free to grow any crops suitable for Caribbean agriculture:

  • Traditional Caribbean vegetables – Okra, callaloo, sweet potato, cassava, yams, dasheen, breadfruit, plantain, eddoes
  • Leafy greens – Lettuce, kale, chard, spinach, arugula, mustard greens, collards, herbs
  • Fruiting vegetables – Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, squash, cucumbers, beans, peas, melons
  • Root vegetables – Carrots, beets, radishes, turnips, ginger, turmeric, onions, garlic
  • Herbs and spices – Basil, cilantro, parsley, thyme, oregano, mint, lemongrass, chives
  • Fruit trees and perennials – Require approval for spacing and heritage site compatibility, maximum 25% of plot
  If you want to grow a Caribbean crop not listed here, it’s likely permitted! Contact FFG for guidance on any specific varieties or specialty crops you’re considering

Prohibited Crops:

• Cannabis or psychoactive plants – Immediate termination for violations
• Invasive species – Plants that threaten native ecosystems
• Unapproved crops – Commercial crops not cleared with FFG management
• Toxic plants – Species dangerous to humans, animals, or beneficial insects

Heritage Preservation Responsibilities

Protecting Historic Features:

• Slave walls – No damage, alteration, or removal of historic stone walls
• Archaeological sites – Report any artifacts or features discovered
• Terracing integrity – Maintain volcanic stone terracing and boundaries
• Cultural respect – Honor the 300-year history and ancestral significance
• Educational participation – Support heritage tours and cultural programs
• Documentation – Report any damage or deterioration of historic features

Permitted Heritage Activities:

• Wall maintenance – Repair using traditional methods and materials
• Terrace restoration – Rebuild using volcanic stone and proper techniques
• Cultural education – Participate in heritage storytelling and tours
• Archaeological cooperation – Work with researchers and preservation experts
• Traditional practices – Use ancestral Caribbean farming methods when appropriate

Prohibited Heritage Actions:

• Wall removal or alteration – No changes to historic stone structures
• Excavation without permission – No digging near archaeological sites
• Modern materials – No concrete, plastic, or non-traditional repairs
• Commercial exploitation – No unauthorized tours or heritage-based sales
• Disrespectful conduct – No activities that dishonor the site’s history

Animals and Livestock

Permitted Animals:

• Pets – Dogs and cats allowed with responsible ownership
• Small livestock – Chickens, ducks, rabbits, goats (with approval and training)
• Beekeeping – Permitted with proper training and safety protocols
• Working animals – Donkeys, horses for agricultural work (with approval)

Animal Requirements:

• Containment – Animals must be secured and not disturb other farmers
• Waste management – Proper composting and sanitation protocols
• Health standards – Vaccinations, parasite control, and veterinary care
• Noise control – Roosters and loud animals may be restricted
• Predator protection – Secure housing to prevent wildlife conflicts

Prohibited Animals:

• Large livestock – Cattle, pigs (unless specifically approved for enterprise operations)
• Exotic or dangerous animals – No wildlife, venomous species, or aggressive breeds
• Uncontrolled breeding – No animal breeding without approval

Infrastructure and Structures

Permitted Structures:

• Tool sheds – Maximum 25% of plot area, approved materials only
• Shade structures – Temporary or permanent with hurricane-resistant design
• Rainwater collection – Tanks, cisterns, and collection systems (with guidance)
• Composting systems – Bins, silos, and processing areas
• Irrigation infrastructure – Drip systems, pipes, and water distribution
• Greenhouse or hoop houses – With approval and hurricane certification

Structure Requirements:

• Building permits – Required for permanent structures over certain size
• Hurricane resistance – All structures must meet storm safety standards
• Materials approval – Natural, sustainable, or approved materials only
• Size limitations – Maximum 25% of plot for infrastructure
• Aesthetic standards – Structures must blend with heritage site character
• Removal obligations – Farmers must remove structures when leaving

Prohibited Structures:

• Living quarters – No residential dwellings on farm plots
• Unapproved buildings – No construction without FFG permission
• Hazardous materials – No structures storing dangerous chemicals or fuels
• Permanent foundations – No concrete slabs without special approval

Safety and Security

Safety Protocols:

• Site access hours – Daylight hours only unless emergency or approved event
• Gate security – Lock gates when leaving, report security concerns
• Fire safety – No open burning without approval, maintain firebreaks
• Tool safety – Proper storage and handling of sharp tools and equipment
• Chemical storage – Approved organic inputs only, proper labeling and containment
• Emergency procedures – Know evacuation routes and emergency contacts

Security Responsibilities:

• Theft reporting – Immediately report theft or vandalism
• Visitor management – Farmers responsible for guests and their conduct
• Equipment security – Lock and secure tools, equipment, and valuable items
• Crop protection – Reasonable measures to prevent theft or damage
• Community watch – Look out for fellow farmers and report suspicious activity

Insurance and Liability:

• Personal liability – Farmers responsible for injuries on their plots
• Property insurance – Recommended for equipment and infrastructure
• Crop insurance – Available through cooperative group policies
• Accident reporting – Immediate notification of injuries or incidents

Community Standards

Respectful Conduct:

• Respect all people – No discrimination, harassment, or hostile behavior
• Respect communal areas – Clean up after use, share resources fairly
• Respect heritage – Honor the site’s history and cultural significance
• Noise consideration – Minimize disruption to neighboring farmers
• Conflict resolution – Address disputes through proper channels

Community Participation:

• Meetings attendance – Cooperative members required, others encouraged
• Work parties – Participate in communal maintenance and projects
• Knowledge sharing – Mentor new farmers and share expertise
• Event support – Help with markets, tours, and community activities

Communication Requirements:

• Contact information – Keep FFG updated with current phone/email
• Plot changes – Notify FFG of extended absences or major changes
• Problem reporting – Promptly report pests, diseases, or infrastructure issues
• Emergency contacts – Provide emergency contact information

⚠️ Violations and Enforcement

Warning System:

• First violation – Written warning and education on proper practices
• Second violation – Formal warning, possible fine, required corrective action
• Third violation – Suspension or termination depending on severity
• Immediate termination – For prohibited crops, violence, or major safety violations

Appeals Process:

• Written appeal – Submit within 14 days of enforcement action
• Review committee – Cooperative board or FFG management reviews case
• Mediation option – Conflict resolution through neutral third party
• Final decision – Appeals decision is final

Membership Obligations

Financial Obligations:

• Annual fees – Paid in advance upon approval or renewal
• Emergency support fee – CSA Partnership farmers (if applicable)
• Late payment penalties – 10% fee after 30 days overdue
• Damage costs – Responsible for repairs to shared facilities or heritage features

Renewal Requirements:

• Annual renewal – Submit renewal application 60 days before expiration
• Compliance review – Must be in good standing with no major violations
• Fee payment – Renewal fees due upon approval
• Plot inspection – Site visit to assess compliance and maintenance

Termination Conditions:

• Voluntary departure – 30 days notice required, plot must be cleared
• Non-payment – Termination after 60 days non-payment
• Serious violations – Immediate termination for prohibited activities
• Plot abandonment – Less than 50% cultivation for 90 days
• Refund policy – Pro-rated refund within 30 days of plot assignment only

FFG’s Requirements & Policies ensure sustainable agriculture, protect our heritage site, and create a thriving farming community where all members can succeed through clear standards and mutual respect!