The Uva Forest Garden Product (UFGP) label was started at Belipola in 2014. The concept was to create a brand that would represent forest garden producers in Uva province. Belipola would buy forest garden products, including organic vegetables and/or herbs that were grown in a "beyond organic" manner. Our primary sales outlet would be the Good Market in Colombo, and secondary markets would be Mihimandala and Siva/Cedric's organic distribution. We also applied for PGS (Participatory Guarantee System) recognition under the Good Market PGS system.
At first twelve producers from the village of Mirahawatte were introduced to the concept and given an orientation to the PGS system and the opportunities of cultivating organically. In the end the producer's group did not pass the PGS inspection, mainly due to in-action of the group in terms of creating internal control systems and inadequate record keeping. Belipola was advised to apply for an individual PGS certificate and was granted PGS Organic status in 2015.
At the end of 2015 Belipola remains the only producer under the UFGP label, except for three local kittul pani producers.
UFGP has become known for its mix salad and rocket in a reusable box, as well as dried herbs, jams and pesto.
For price lists of UFGP produce, refer here. A short presentation about UFGP 2014 can be found here.