Oman’s organic farm receives international accreditation

Lifestyle Monday 19/March/2018 19:31 PM
By: Times News Service
Oman’s organic farm receives international accreditation

Pairidaeza, the first farm that grows organic food in Oman, is an initiative by Narjes, an Omani woman, who started retailing in 2016 and continues to be the only national to do so. And now it is the first to have received American and European accreditation.
Covering an area of 10 acres, Pairidaeza in Barka is OneCert certified, EU Organic Certified and USDA Certified. A product can be labelled organic when it has followed and compiled with specific international rules for organic farming that is checked every year.
In other words, it is assurance to the consumers that what is being purchased is truly organic and that its integrity has been maintained throughout its journey from the farm to the plate. Narjes started organic farming as a passion and wanting to put the healthiest food for her grandchildren. She started by showcasing her goods at Souq Es-Sabt, the weekend market at The Wave and in no time, she was catering to clientele that had become regular buyers. Different types of lettuce, rocket leaves, cherry tomatoes, asparagus, peas, potatoes, lemon, corn, and countless herbs were much in demand.

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The vegetable list soon broadened to include pickles, vegetable stock, tomato pesto, olive oil and different cheese such as halloumi and labneh. In 2016, Narjes started retailing. Goods from Pairidaeza can now be picked at Carrefour, Spar, Lulu, Sultan Centre, and Mars and the demand is only increasing. But what is heartening for Narjes is that more and more people are becoming aware of the goodness of organic food and are stocking up on fresh produce that are bursting with flavours and nutrients. It makes all the effort that goes into caring for the plants worthwhile as no chemicals or pesticides are used on the plants.
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