Rome Foundation (www.romefoundation.org) announced today that it will be raising funds to create a cooperative farming effort in Petitè Goave, Haiti. This is the first step in proving sustainable communities in the struggling country.

Rome Foundation has secured, through a donation, 30 acres of land in Petitè Goave to start a co-op where jatropha seed, vegetable seed and farming supplies will be handed out to local farmers. The location will serve as a farmer's market, and one-stop shop for seeds, plants, supplies and farming education so that farmers can sustain themselves.

Farmers and villagers alike will also be able to utilize the location to trade and buy mature vegetables to help sustain the entire surrounding community. With enough donations, Rome will also look to create town centers, recreational parks, clinics and other structures to further the quality of life in the village.

Rome Foundation is seeking donations in any amount, but is looking to get US$5 per tree to help subsidize farmers with a salary, simple potable water solution, ovens, and other necessities while the plants mature. This encourages farmers to care for their crops as they have less to worry about in terms of raising their family.

A bit about Jatropha:

Jatropha is an effective way to reforest Haiti, offset carbon emissions worldwide, control erosion and create income as jatropha is used for a form of clean burning biodiesel. Farmers can make a profit from any stage of the jatropha plant from seed to oil. Jatropha is a renewable resource that, once it reaches full maturity, is able to be harvested twice a year and can produce income for local farmers at market rate of US$200 per ton or more. Jatropha is also an inedible plant as it contains toxins that locals and animals are well aware of, so it acts as a natural fence around those vegetables grown for food consumption.

Read the Wikipedia entry for more about jatropha.