COSG
Gardening Brigades

Cuba Organic Support Group
In February/March 1997 De Montfort University and HDRA ran a two-week Organic Study Tour for 21 members of HDRA, enabling them to meet and exchange experiences with Cuban gardeners. COSG was formed that summer by tour members and other HDRA members supportive of the Cuban efforts. Members of COSG organised an Eco Tour which visited Cuba in March/April 1998. This tour covered the broader environmental movement and natural history as well as the organic agriculture.

The FNH and the food conservation project have been the main beneficiaries or conduits for funds raised by the Cuba Organic Support Group. We have directly funded the production of educational material for Vilda, have sent over tools for school children and pruning equipment for the fruit tree project, and supplied tools to individual and collective gardens via the FNH.

January 2000 Report from Jenny Bussey
February/March 2000 An article by Mike Weaver
May 2000 A report by Nicola Duffield

Gardening Brigades
This initiative was organised in response to a request from Cuban gardeners for practical help and was organised in partnership with the FNH. In January 1999 sixteen people spent a fortnight helping on different projects in Havana. As well as helping on huertos and an organoponico, the brigade constructed a new school garden. Time was also found for a bit of sightseeing and for visits to the beach. The brigade was a great success and, in a small area of Havana English gardeners are now known as hard and inspired workers.

January 2000 Report on brigade by organiser Stephanie Greenwood
January 2001 Brigade. Report by Wynne Kelly

Another brigade is being organised for the same time next year. It is an excellent way to witness the development of urban organic gardening in Cuba while giving your energy and skills to the collective efforts which have made Cuba the most progressive nation in the world.