Taungya and Silvopastoral

The “Taungya reforestation method” has been practiced primarily to rehabilitate wasteland, particularly under the Forest Village or diversified agroforestry programs . We refer to this as Silvopastoral in Cuba and the United States where it is practiced widely. While various combinations of trees and crops are found in the Taungya method in Oceana on a minor scale, the major combinations in the same area are teak with upland rice in the north, fast-growing trees with cassava in the northeast, fast-growing trees with maize in the west, and Para-rubber or fast-growing trees with fruit trees in the south. These combinations relate to the differences in climatic Pacific area conditions, mainly the duration of the zone dependent rainy season. They are also limited rather than preferred diverse crop systems employing more than two complimentary species with livestock as common practice is. In the Caribbean or Africa the concept remains the same but the cultivars slightly different again relating to climatic conditions, indigenous cultivars and culture. While practiced mostly on the equatorial belt implementation of Taungya/Silvopastoral methods reach into the Northern and Southern non tropical areas. To me it is the purest form of Agroecology where harmonious and complimentary plantings and livestock work in sync with the ecology of the place with least disruption to the land contributing to the ecosystem, carbon off set and preservation/proliferation of indigenous cultivars. A hybrid of intentional agriculture and mix return to hunter/gatherer that preserves remaining and creates new canopy all of which positively impact our fresh and ocean waters. The importance lies in our knowledge that agriculture (and even Agroecology) when land is cleared to perform it in and of itself is not sustainable. JAE NEEM www.neemtree.org

Independant Travel to Cuba is here - we are excited

Gabo y Funes

There is a new opportunity for US visitors to Cuba who can travel by themselves, with their families, or with a group of friends. The revised regulations for people to people travel now allow for Individual travel. NEEM has been doing individual general license since 2014. Now its cool. The U.S. and Cuba didn't like it then but it was legal. Now its not a loop hole, its official and it is perhaps one of the most gratifying things we can think of.

The individual general license relies completely on the integrity and judgment of US travelers as to what qualifies. OFAC is in no position to sanction the actions of individual citizens while in Cuba.

The Obama Administration's intention for the new regulation, is for Americans to travel freely as emissaries at reduced costs so NEEM has addressed that at $1700 (Havana only) - $1900 (overnight Trinidad) for 9 days of independent travel with itinerary provided and under the most recent OFAC regulation guidelines.  There is independent travel but we still are under full embargo and what the U.S. says does not necessarily mean it is in Cuba.

Structured Delegations will continue to provide access we have that are impossible for independent travelers to arrange. While some "groups" lack the spontaneity NEEM has always offered intense P2P interaction. Never the less one on one engagement that visitors can achieve on their own is different. Either way with NEEM you get that people to people exchange but to me nothing is like the personal experience of individual travel. 

This is what we have fought for here and in Cuba for since1996. We are more than excited to see it come to fruition. Under reasonable pricing is when you should work with the organizations who have credentials, will get good lodging, not turned down for air, send you to the good spots and insure travel is not only legal but comfortable. Americans need to know after this many years everyone in Cuba is a travel expert and shoot from the hip arrangements can turn into a nightmare.

The issue under the individual general license is not where you go but what you do along the way and once you get there. All we are doing is making sure you have what you need, understand the regulations, get you into comfortable rather than questionable circumstances, provide services you now perform yourself and make sure you know what to do, where to go, how to get around and leave you with a number to call if there is a critical issue.

NEEM

The butterfly wing redirecting our society

In America today we are in a "Special Period" with the current financial market and crisis in which urban Agroecology and sustainable production to scale will have a key role.

Organoponico NEEM

The term ‘urban Agroecology’ implies a paradox, the contrast of an urban environment devoted to industry and commerce with the tranquillity of inner city farms and gardens that address sustainable food security while providing economic alternatives to sustainable community development. The healing powers of green landscape are increasingly recognized and the value of landscape in anchoring people in time and place and in developing a sense of community apparent.
Urban Agroecology encompasses at least seven inter-related aspects: the convergence of horticulture and applied ecology in the creation of new public landscapes, appreciation of the economic benefits of green space rather than the traditional focus on its costs, environmental education to give children a sound understanding of their place in nature, benefits to human health, the use of inner city farms and ‘gardening’ as a catalyst for economic and social cohesion, a revival in public horticulture from costly bedding schemes to wildflower or productive meadows, awareness of ‘ecosystem services’ aspect of green space for flood control, environmental amelioration and biodiversity.
There are six key factors which will shape urban Agroecology in this century and which will determine its contribution to civilized urban life: climate change; decreasing oil supplies; population growth; the countervailing attractions of town and country; social order or disorder and global finance.

Perhaps the black cloud of the credit crunch could have a silver lining if the reassessment of our true wealth becomes
the butterfly wing redirecting our society into a more sustainable way of life.

Great Presidents do such things

Over a seven year period President Obama made significant advances in small steps that allowed next steps to occur toward normalization of relations with Cuba. A series of low and high profile events we were privy too as they occurred that led up to the announcement to visit Cuba as the first sitting President to do so in 88 years. For those relentlessly active in the process on the "Cuba issue" that support we had always provided for positive change over 20 years continued during this 7 year period, time and those steps. To make it simple, it wasn't. The number of regulatory changes too numerous (and often complex) to mention here. This included open action and secret meetings leading up to the announcement in December 2014 and the visit that ends today. I have to say after 20 years working towards this end and watching Air force One touch down at Jose Marti International Airport was nothing short of astounding.

The most recent Presidential regulatory changes will make it significantly easier and more affordable for individual U.S. citizens to travel to Cuba, increase Cuba's access to international markets, permit Cuban entities to carry out transactions in dollars, allow Cuban citizens to earn salaries in the United States, removed 10% exchange on U.S. dollars, allow investment in Cuba, create entrepreneurial opportunity for Americans with Cubans and drop the ban on Cuban ports security. Remember that its not all about Cubans, its about Cubans and Americans. Our right to travel where we want and business opportunities we should have had years ago as friends and neighbors. That required visionary leadership; something we had been lacking for quite some time until this President.

Leaders are often faced with decisions to make and promises to keep in the face of some adversity that are in the countries best interest because it is the right thing to do and best for America.

(from our friends at Cuba Central) "In 2007, President Obama made bold promises to reform Cuba policy as a candidate to the American people and then did the unexpected. He kept his word".

Great Presidents do such things.
JA Ensminger

Congressional delegation will accompany Obama to Cuba:

Glyph for "and then he came"

Mar 7

Reuters

U.S. President Barack Obama will be accompanied on his historic visit to Cuba this month by up to 20 members of the Senate and House of Representatives, U.S. congressional sources said on Monday.

Details were still being worked out, but the sources told Reuters the White House hoped the delegation would include Republicans as well as Obama’s fellow Democrats, to underscore bipartisan support for his moves toward normal relations with the Communist-ruled country.

Congressional aides and sources outside the government who were consulted on the matter said the administration was also considering more moves to ease travel and trade restrictions before the trip.

“They will unveil a regulations package as it gets closer to the trip, further easing of travel, and further commerce and trade (changes),” said one person familiar with the administration’s discussions.

The White House said on Feb. 18 that Obama would visit Havana March 21 and 22 in another step toward ending decades of animosity between the former Cold War foes.

News of his plans prompted sharp criticism from some members of the Republican-controlled Congress, where there is strong opposition to normalizing relations with Havana, led mostly by Cuban-American Republican lawmakers.

ELECTION COMPLICATIONS

Some congressional Republicans want more normal relations with Cuba, as do most Democrats. But the issue is complicated on Capitol Hill because two senators vying for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio, are among the Cuban-Americans strongly opposed to Obama’s policy shift.

Obama said the trip would help accelerate changes in Cuba since he and Cuban President Raul Castro announced moves to reopen ties in late 2014. Administration officials hope it will give Washington more leverage to make progress on opening business opportunities for U.S. companies.

Opponents say Obama has demanded too little from Cuba’s government, particularly in the area of human rights, to end the embargo first imposed in 1960.

Obama has used his executive powers to ease some restrictions on trade and travel since announcing his new Cuba policy 15 months ago. Some major U.S. airlines have already begun asking regulators for approval to start flying specific routes to Cuba.

Observers say establishing U.S.-Cuban business relationships would make it difficult for the next U.S. president to roll back Obama’s policy changes after he leaves office next January, if a Republican opponent of the policy wins the election.

Businessman Donald Trump, the leading Republican candidate, told the Daily Caller in an interview published in September that he supports the Obama administration’s opening with Cuba.

But the embargo cannot be lifted without Congress’ approval and Republicans say that will not happen while Obama is in office.

UPCOMING Cuba Delegations

NEEM Architect/Engineers Delegation June 3-12

NEEM Agro-Culture Delegation June 10 – 18

Agroecology and Culinary Delegation OCT. 7–16

U.S. – CUBA – BOLIVIA – NEEM Agro Eco Pueblo delegation

DECEMBER 11th – 19th 2015  Havana – Trinidad – Cienfuegos – Matanzas – Havana and Artemisa – Agroecology, Sustainable community and Eco Pueblos multinational delegation. NEEM is pleased to convene delegates from the U.S., Cuba and Bolivia on Agro Eco Pueblo and self sustaining community. NEEM entered into an agreement in Sacaba, Bolivia for the purpose of creating 3 Eco Pueblos and the multinational cooperative. We are meeting in Cuba to finalize the collaborative and secure the three knowledge exchange projects that contribute to the greater good.

1. 

July 17th - As a cooperative we developed signed and sealed a conceptual document for Eco Pueblos that allowed us to leverage 75 Hectares (180 acres) in Sacaba, Cochabamba Bolivia. We used the bottom up community support, agreement and committed land to leverage the project funding. The Bolivian Senate has agreed to a $100 million USD budget in support of the project that includes International private investment.

December 11^th – 19^th NEEM leads a U.S., Bolivian, Cuba delegation including diplomats from Bolivia that will meet in Havana and develop an Eco Pueblos collaboration, based on the Cuban model, a similar agreement with a Cuban land commitment of 97 hectares (239 acres) with the target location identified. NEEM will seek on a smaller land scale a version of Eco Pueblos in Durham, North Carolina USA. We have a potential of 60 acres in Durham in a public/private partnership.
All three projects will behave as a cooperative, each autonomos but in support of project concept, goals, sustainable community development and establishment of the Eco Pueblos model with Agro ecological principals as the foundation.

“We are amazed at what was achieved in Bolivia and proud of that commitment to Eco Pueblos there. With the land, support, agreement and $100 million in funding is serious leverage for pre-investment platform in Cuba now and likewise in Durham at the NEEM land.” The possibility is there like opportunity. We did not miss opportunity in Bolivia, do not intend to in Cuba or in Durham.” JAE

Cuba and the U.S. to restore diplomatic relations and open embassies

The agreement between Cuba and the U.S. to restore diplomatic relations and open embassies in their respective capitals will be announced today; July 1, 2015

The restoration of diplomatic relations between our countries will open opportunities for the U.S. and Cuba to collaborate on issues of mutual interest like immigration, environmental conservation, and regional trade long held at bay by the embargo. We congratulate the tireless work of activists, Cuban and U.S. diplomats and policymakers who have helped make this historic event come to fruition.

Agroecological concepts and the infrastructure required to support it in a bottom-up knowledge exchange as the fulcrum to Sustainable  community development and NEEMs core mission.

www.neemtree.org/cubatravel 

	Dear Jeffrey: Thank you for writing.  The best way to advance our Nation’s interests and values is through open engagement rather than isolation.  That is why after more than half a century, the United States is changing its relationship with the people of Cuba and working toward normalizing relations between our two countries. Decades of isolation have failed to produce meaningful change, and by charting a new course, my Administration is reaffirming our commitment to promoting the emergence of a more prosperous Cuba that respects the universal rights of all its citizens.  To achieve this, the United States is taking steps to increase travel, commerce, and the flow of information to and from Cuba.  We will also reestablish diplomatic relations with the Cuban Government, including opening an embassy in Havana.  Nobody represents America’s values better than the American people, and I believe this contact will ultimately serve to empower the Cuban people.  Additionally, I instructed Secretary of State John Kerry to review Cuba’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism.  After a careful review of Cuba’s record that was guided by the facts and the law, he recommended rescinding that designation, and I have notified Congress of the Administration’s intent to do so. Again, thank you for writing.  We must create more opportunities and begin a new chapter among the nations of the Americas.  By choosing to cut loose the shackles of the past, we can reach for a brighter future—for the Cuban people, for the American people, and for the world our children will inherit. . Sincerely, Barack Obama

Organoponico NEEM - an urban agroecological farm in its natural habitat

NEEM is a innovative replicable solution that has impacted childhood hunger as a leader in the field of sustainable local urban production. Other like minded organizations have adopted techniques developed by NEEM addressing food security in a bottom up approach and in a sustainable way. Principals we have promoted since 1974 and 1996. Our projects are not ours. Of the multitude of projects we have been involved in many were a first and all are the communities. 
NEEM as an organization operates Organoponico NEEM as an example of what can be achieved in small steps and expansion toward capability for community. Innovation is not the amount of land but what you do with it environmentally in a cooperative model.11.2 contiguous acres is our palate. Its a process of  community and at OG NEEM the cooperative model.
Organopoonico NEEM is the first and largest Farm Services Agency registered USDA sustainable urban farm in the United States. This property represents real capacity. Organoponico NEEM is a sustainable production facility. Our client are those who don't have transportation too and would or will not shop in organic natural stores or farmers market venues. We are sustainably producing food for the poor, those socioeconomically excluded from organic.

We ardently support the farmers market concept for urban and rural farmers but our mission is strictly relegated to the low income community where help is needed most and availability non existent. To do that effectively requires capability and to be affordable at least some infrastructure and support. Selling product at low or "loss prices" works because it satisfies the goal; introduction of organic, fresh to the minority low income population.We applaud the good work of food banks but we also point to the fact that while essential, they do not promote a self sustaining community.
President Carter told us not to give, or people will not respect but expect; and the foundation for Habitat. We applied a portion of that model to the Cuban model which NEEM replicates. We have developed a closed loop farm system in the most natural habitat that is off the grid displaying self sufficient possibilities. This initiative provides solutions to nutritional problems of our children and our own immediate community where health issues are prominent.

Community solutions lay in exposure to fresh organic, produced in neighborhood introduced to community. Educational solutions are achieved in sustainable community development concepts and Sustainable Food Security that must both go hand in hand. IF focus becomes solely Food Security then we lose the opportunity to educate in the area of sustainability. We must insure community that it is in fact dangerous to the city, streams, ground water, air, environment and the urban ecology to farm in town conventionally. The rural conventional farmers we work with agree that conventional urban is indeed dangerous. We do not want to address one problem while creating another as a bi product for the same community. This is why we practice Agroecology as a method that works with the land as stewards to it as opposed to against it in an environmentally sound way. When our neighbors are on the farm they are exposed to  to the Agroecological concepts we promote. That is innovative. OG NEEM is a cooperative organic urban farm and process. It is a production area, nothing fancy here; its a farm.

Processed food is a reality, it is fast food in the grocery, distribution of it feeds children but there must be a healthy balance.
NEEM as an organization seeks to off set imbalance by providing 100% sustainable production, fresh and healthy with no negative impact to the environment. We understand and support other answers but we must always be aware of the ramifications. If we seek self sustenance in part, then we will embrace it and sustainable ideas that are relative to effectively, tackling the issue that stands before us.
(NEEM leads Agroecological delegations to Cuba since 2003 as educational foreign exchange component for knowledge exchange) Got to: www.neemtree.org/cubatravel/

Neem in systemic applications and Purified protein from neem

Neem is a tree. 
NEEM is an organization in Durham, North Carolina that promotes Neem, Agroecology, food security and sustainable community. 

Neem in systemic applications modulates immunity against disease in plants. Its anti-viral properties provide a level of protection internally against pests. Anti-bacterial properties are effective against destructive bacteria if used in appropriate amounts to avoid potential negative ramifications to "good bacteria". Any input may have a negative affect on cultivars or soil biology if used in a inappropriate way. Care here should be taken but the level of Azadirachta indica in systemic applications is far to low to have any significant affect on bacteria mortality. Slow release and "in soil half life" insure positive outcomes in Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Systemic treatment is enhanced when complimented by topical applications of neem. Topical applications OPEN stomata allowing signalling and plant biology to behave beyond normal capability. Neem does not block stomata as some perceive it would.
The 5 - 7% nitrogen content insures a low level (also slow release) that enhances root ball development. Many focus on neem as a biological alternative to chemical pesticides but, it is also a very efficient fertilizer.
In entomology, neem disrupts the hormonal clock that enables effective perpetuation of the species. Therefore, neem impacts the ability to reproduce effectively reducing future populations. [Care must be taken for; pollinators in topical applications should be applied late afternoon and, soil where seed germination and "germ rate" would be inhibited as in the entomological process].  Neem should therefore be implemented after germination has occurred to insure the best "germ rate". These methods are especially effective when used in the stages of: post germination nursery, starts, to field ready plants coordinated with the soil amendments applied prior to and after planting. In this process, with the exception of the germ period, Azadirachta indica has been introduced to and providing a layer of internal protection to the plant for its plant life. 
For a nursery it will reduce loss and prevent or reduce transfer from their facility of pests and disease. This alone is an important issue of our time when many farms purchase contracted field ready starts for the farm and come with unseen issues unbeknown to the nursery itself. This is especially important to any facility in plant production for the retail market.
For the farm, the multiple process will increase yields and reduce loss as an answer to pest management, virus, blight, mites, borers, fungus and a list of pests too numerous to mention. How neem is affective against the "bad bugs" with little or no negative affect on the good ones is a mystery.
Introduction of neem leaf into a vermi-composting system will result in Azadirachta and nitrogen laden castings. Neem does not have any negative reproductive effect on worms. This is important to anyone with a worm casting soil amendment schedule. (neem oil is very high PPM and should not be introduced to a worm population when other neem tree by products are not available).
 
Pests will not become "neem tolerant" as in conventional chemical input applications where there is a representative increase each year in amounts required to remain affective. Any farm having to consider an increase per year in input budget due to increasingly ineffective properties could use this multifaceted alternative at approximately the same cost each year. The internal presence in a cultivar of neem is not total insurance against problems but it will reduce them significantly.
These same attributes are beneficial to harvested crops and protection against loss from insects and disease while in storage if neem leaf for instance is used in the storage area. 

Now test show that there are health benefits that are not foreign to the agricultural applications above. Our organization, NEEM, has been promoting agricultural and health applications. If we can benefit an emerging economy by educating, promoting development of a neem tree program that provides a natural alternative to farm inputs, that is effective and provides an alternative to prevention of Malaria, Dengue and now as noted below also a cure for cancer. We are all in!
We see plant and human health benefits that are all relative.
  Tests now show that Neem Leaf Glycoprotein (NLGP) modulates the immune cells (cells responsible for providing immunity to the body) present within the tumor environment and also in the peripheral systemic system. During tumor development these immune cells are enslaved by the cancerous cells to promote their growth and proliferation as against their actual function of remaining hostile to cells that are dangerous to the body. Therefore, instead of destroying the lethal cells, the guard cells actually favor their growth. The NLGP spurs these cells towards a normal state back again in the Tumor Micro Environment (TME- the cells surrounding a tumor). This restricts further growth of tumor cells. As the micro environment returns to the tumor-directed hostile state, triggered by NLGP, the population of T cells shoots up, thereby aiding in restriction of the cancer. NLGP also shields the T cells from developing a non-reactive state (called anergy).
These actions in cancer are the same actions in the agricultural applications and why
 
Neem truly is an answer to global problems. 
JAE

South Africans and Stinger-less bees

NEEM – CUBA Programs – We have been involved for a very long time on a State, Federal and International level in Cuba and Washington working on improving relations in a sustainable way.  We began taking groups as a part of our foreign exchange component tied directly to NEEMs replication of the Cuban model in Agroecology. 
NEEM was awarded the Office of Foreign Asset Control Department of Treasusry, “People to People” exchange license allowing citizens to travel legally with NEEM to Cuba. What an unplanned honor. 
The license resulted in a collaboration with Global Exchange, a leader in the field. We are also partners with the Association of Agricultural and Forestry Technicians (ACTAF). Dr. Funes leads Cuba in Agroecological concepts through ACTAF and is our friend. We are very proud to walk with and beside Fernando. We feel as we should in harmony – Argoecologically. 

What purpose do the groups serve? 
First and foremost they bring our respective countries closer together sustainably through  dialectic exchange that occurs in freedom to travel. They bring to the delegate the truth and the knowledge exchange; and they also bring residual income or, financial independence to  NEEM. Organoponoico NEEM is a closed loop off the grid farm. The delegations diversify NEEM and take the organization off the financial grid.  

Delegates are from the United States and International 
When you  give, you get back. 
  NEEM is “Seed to Plate – A Wandering Feast”™.

12 million jobs, Rubio, Cuba and unsubstantiated claims

You could have never told me I would be watching the Republican Convention but I did.

Clint Eastwood is my friend and we play golf together at Pebble Beach. He is not a right wing conservative. Last time I played golf with Clint I made 18 holes in one's. If you believe Clint and I are friends, play golf at pebble beach and that I had a perfect round of golf then you are also capable of believing Romney can create 12 million jobs.
If there is such a thing as a "speech giving" double agent I think it was Clint.

I watched because we have been involved all these years in effecting positive change in Cuba, seeking to end the failed embargo, tired of lining the wallets of numerous not so transparent programs run from Florida in the name of Democracy at taxpayers expense and searching for answers in the convoluted Cuba issue.

FREEDOM seemed to be a theme.
Senator Rubio stated in his bid speech for his Presidential future prior to his introduction of Mitt Romney: "that here, his parents had the freedom and "that here we were free to do what is Americans right to do and I agree with him.
We should have the right to travel. Rubio cries freedom and quickly forgets that Americans are excluded and only "Cuban-Americans" can travel to Cuba. An American is an American.
If Rubio is really as savvy as he is made to be he would not have given the introductory speech last night. He established himself as a puppet, not the future leader of our country - another pawn in the game - the front man! This was all about power gifted to maintain the hypocrisy of the embargo.
Thanks for showing us who you are and bringing to every Americans attention that there are certain inherent FREEDOMS Cuban Americans enjoy that the rest of us do not. Thanks for setting the national stage for some serious Q and A.! Misinformed Americans want to know.
It was actually rather complimentary to a small group. We, the less than 1% working tirelessly for peaceful humanitarian change and the rights and freedoms of Americans, with Cuba being first on the agenda in an opening prayer. The rest of America is not really paying a lot of attention to this subject. You have to have information to do that.

What we do know is that IF we allow this Republican ticket to prevail, we will be thrown into a Bush era financial collapse that makes 2008 pale in comparison. We also know that Cuba, this little country mentioned three  times last night out of all the countries in the world, will be set back 15 years. Rubio is intelligent. He knows the only path is through dialogue. He knows that when both Castro brothers are gone nothing there will skip a beat. He is completely aware of the fact that Cuba will not flip and become a U.S.style Democracy.  

We owe Mario Rubio a debt of gratitude for bringing up a subject that is normally buried by his constituents at great expense. 

The price of freedom is very high. 

Jeff
NEEM - www.neemtree.org & 
http://www.causes.com/causes/424940-neem (facebook)
A Wandering Feast tm "Seed to Plate"
Cuba Travel @Havanaman (Twitter)
@organoponicNEEM (Twitter)

NEEM in CUBA

In 1996 we were a GMO Free, 100% organic, UK4 Soil Association Oregon Tilth certified company located in Durham, looking at Cuba as an organic supply line. NEEM was established in Durham at that time as an activist organization promoting neem in sustainable agriculture. We worked outside the USA in the equatorial belt countries where neem grows and the people impoverished (Latin basin, African diaspora & Central America). We promoted neem as a biological, naturally occurring, yearly harvest-able alternative to chemical inputs in agriculture and an answer to Malaria, Dengue, AIDS and numerous maladies that included potential for economic development. Countries that were codependent on gifted chemicals for agriculture and medicine, neither of which they could afford (as they remain today). Our objective was self reliance where we worked and opening production capability. We engaged with the Cuban's and their Neem Project director. 

Our company was organic but we were global, environmentally this was an issue. We learned about the new agricultural urban program during this time in Cuba where we encouraged use of neem. The global market exposure was our re-visit to how organic we really were and subsequently adopted a "local" mentality replicating the Cuban model as we do today at NEEM. We applaud the Cubans for staying on top of infrastructure required and thank them for all they have done for us.

Is neem an answer to global issue, we think so, we always have!  

Biofactory built for neem insecticide

Written by AIN

Guantanamo. - Biofactory to produce insecticide from the neem tree is built in the arid coastal strip south of Guantanamo, where blooms the plant, known as the toothbrush of indigenous peoples.

Among its many uses, this bush scientific name Azadirachta indica A. Juss, is used for cleaning and brushing of the teeth in the Asian and African continents, where it is common to see their native inhabitants with a small slice, for oral bacterial infection.

But in Guantanamo priority will be its use as a biological insecticide, mainly in the planting of vegetables, meats and fruit Caujerí Valley, said today the engineer Soraya García Pavón, for a series of conferences and scientific panels that develops in this city, in salute to July 26.

Neem provides the substance called azadirachtin, which interferes with the metamorphosis of the larvae of insect pests, and therefore the reproduction of these in the areas planted, said the specialist at the Center for Applied Research for Sustainable Development (CATEDES).

He said that that is the result of biofactory international collaborative project funded by the Cuban government, supported by the Small Grants Programme of the Global Environment.

Its production will favor more than 1300 hectares of the valley, which benefit from August 2010 to one of the waterworks in the country: the diversion of the river to the dam Sabanalamar Pozo Azul.

For over five years, the introduction of Nim increased forested area in the arid coastal strip south of Guantanamo, where hundreds of hectares have been enriched by this plant, several species associated with timber and fruit.

That task was the work of the Sector to Combat Desertification and Drought CATEDES subordinate entity.

The initiative to host the semi-desert landscape to the Nim tree is considered by environmental experts as one of the outstanding achievements of the scientific community Guantanamo.

"Democracy is more than just a word"

"Democracy is more than just a word". "There can be no democracy where there is hunger, unemployment and injustice." 

This is a call to to American companies, come home - do the right thing. We used to be self sustaining, we can be again. American companies continue to move companies, production and labor to other countries. I say if your business is somewhere other than here, then you are not an American corporation but a colonialist corporation and should declare that allegiance.

There is no middle class anymore and that is in and of itself dangerous! 

Huey Long said in 1963 that fascism would come to America in the guise of fear. Was he right after 911? Or, are we really a Socialist State with so many on social programs (statistics don't consider the self employed) and we just can't admit it? 

In 1864 90% of businessmen in America were farmers, self employed. 10% were shopkeepers who carried goods for the farmers. Our country depended on no one, we took advantage of oceans of separation. We stayed out of peoples business, completely independent. What happened? 

After the Industrial Revolution we were the powerhouse, we were the industrial giant. We are dependent now on the high tech revolution that replaced the vacated position of the Industrial revolution. An industry that's history is replacement of people as it improves. 

We are a consumer/service society codependent on countries whose influence and ownership in the U.S. is like some stock or bond they hold as a majority shareholder; poised to make changes we the people have nothing to say about. Have we lost our way? Have we lost our minds?  

Cuba seeks to be self sufficient. This is positive thinking towards self preservation. If they can do it there, we can do it here. Cuba is too a consumer/service society. Its an island so to be clear they ship in 60% of their food. Never-the-less, 90% of the vegetables consumed in Havana are grown in Havana. That is a big number. 60% of daily dietary requirements are met and produced or raised in Havana.

What we need to do is go somewhere where we are deprived of these high tech things that keep us all busy. Things that have woven themselves into our lives. That keep us constantly connected and always available, constantly accessible with no real time left in the day. 

How would it be to find yourself inaccessible but in a culturally invigorating atmosphere. 

What about going to a place where your cell phone doesn't work, you only have 15 minutes on the internet every two days, no real advertising, no computer,3 channel TV shuts off at 12PM and the land line doesn't ring. Does this sound like 1950/60 when we all had one phone in the kitchen, 3 channels, free TV and radio, no answer machine and time to be Human!

A place where there are no fear reminders of losing homes, hostile billing, negative Ads and actual truthful educated discussions on climate and ecology resulting in meaningful answers and action. Where there are not homeless people laying on the corner, kids go to school until 12th grade, everyone has a house, health care is free, almost crime-less, 33,000 urban farms that hire 480,000 people, almost self sufficient, Sustainable/Organic, everyone eats something, great music and art, the best people you will come to know, a culture where people work to live instead of "live to work". A place where there is no prepared or fast food.

A place that by virtue of going is a statement towards effecting positive change,an opportunity to display Democratic values and when you come home will share the good things you learned to our benefit here?

You would not return the same, you would feel misinformed and know that without real information regular people cannot make an educated decision.

We replicate the Cuban model, it is successful and it works. It is irrelevant what the politics are to degrees other than you also will know that there is not a demonic force murdering peasants for land like Batista.

No you will return with great ideas for your community. Ideas you will work to bring to fruition and relish the time you had when no one could contact you.

Cuba Travel ‏@HavanaMan

@CubaJunky check out Cuba Travel @havanaman - delegations on Sustainable Agriculture; Roll w/Pro’s at NEEM since 2003 http://neemtree.org/ 

DISCOVER Cuba

What comes with 16 years experience in travel to Cuba? The hidden, the real  & the sustainable CUBA. The Culinary and undiscovered Cuba.
We have a "Cuba attitude", NEEM delegates have fun; a great time in and out of the itinerary. You go places and see things others have not (including our Cuban counterparts). With very few exceptions, Cuba delegates with NEEM will not return to hear another person who traveled with a group talk about the same places we go. Our delegations are unique, not flipped. We are "Seed to Plate" A Wandering Feast.. As an environmentalist Executive Chef Farmer and musician you can expect to go to the best restaurant's but at the best prices. You might even find yourself in the jungle, surrounded by Royal palms eating Carne Asada slow cooked over an open flame draped in palm by a Cuban Chef. (We do not list the restaurants or they become a find then expensive).Our hosts, driver and interpreter eat with us, not at a separate table. Do you want to go to a free live Jam one night during your free time where musicians pour out into a hidden courtyard and play Bata, Rumba, Folklorica? We're going, so come along, its awesome.  We have undiscovered, cool and lesser known spots where we stay that are incredible (we only list hotel's in our ads, final itinerary will have accommodations). When we stay at Hotels, we don't always stay at the best but we make sure we stay where you can change money, get a cab and reasonable internet access. We had that experience once and we won't again. Why spend free time chasing currency exchange (they will not have if theyu don't), cabs or hours in the internet cafe. Depending on where you stay, this can become an issue and actually more expensive than a nicer place. Bottom line is we are still cheap even at the good hotels. We include a leisurely night in Miami and smooth transition to MIA to Havana AND round trip airfare from Miami.is always included. 


Are we serious about what we do, yes? Food security, self sufficiency and sustainability are important topics of the day, what we do here in the States and why you are there. know body said it had to be boring. Our itineraries work as well for the novice as they do for the professional. It is always relaxed and no matter where or how hard times are there for our hosts, we will be treated as honored guests with a modicum of manners and gentality that only the Cuban people can provide. Something I Americans have forgot.
Either way you cut it, you will not come home the same, you will as they say in Sancti Spritus "return to the waters".
JAE
NEEM

www.neemtree.org  

   [read more...] 2012 CUBA delegations.