Welcome friends, customers, and family!
It has been a wild ride since Bali Jiwa was first created in 2018. We are now in our 6th year of operations, and only just starting to write a Blog! But, as they say, good things take time…
We’ll keep you in the loop about all there is to know about organic farming in Bali. We’ll also feature recipes, product spotlights, and some incredible places to eat!
Many people may not know this, but Bali Jiwa originated from in 2018 as a result of an academic study investigating the impacts of tourism on Balinese heritage farming practices. Since then, it has evolved into a small business dedicated to supporting farmers engaged in sustainable farming practices. Primarily, we allow local farmers to find market opportunities for their products. We currently distribute over 500 products throughout Bali and beyond, and are committed to the importance of sustainable farming practices.
A bit about Bali’s Heritage Farming…
Indigenous farming practices, such as those used by traditional Balinese farmers, are typically more sustainable and environmentally friendly compared to modern industrial farming methods. This is because they rely on local knowledge, available resources, and natural cycles to produce crops, instead of relying on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Balinese farmers have long used techniques such as crop rotation, composting, and intercropping to maintain soil fertility and reduce the risk of pest outbreaks. They also practice agroforestry, where they plant a variety of crops together with trees to provide shade, improve soil quality, and create microclimates that support a wider range of biodiversity.
Moreover, traditional Balinese farming practices often include community-based management systems that prioritize social and ecological well-being over profits. These practices recognize the interconnectedness of humans and nature, and aim to promote long-term sustainability rather than short-term gains. By supporting and promoting such practices, Bali Jiwa is not only contributing to the local economy but also preserving traditional knowledge and promoting environmentally responsible farming practices.
A Note on Transparency
We are proud of our commitment to sustainability, and we love transparency in letting customers know exactly what they are buying. By supporting Bali Jiwa, customers can be confident that they are purchasing high-quality products that are sustainably grown and harvested.
On our shop front, you can see the exact classification of each of our product. We differentiate between:
- Certified Organic: From certified organic producers. This includes the virtually all our fresh produce.
- Organic: Adhering to organic standards without formal certification. This includes all the heirloom varieties from our own farm!
- Chemical Free: From organic cultivations but may have contamination.
- Conventional: Non-organic or non-verifiable techniques.
- Heritage: Culturally relevant products from heritage seeds (such as our varieties of Balinese rice!).
We believe that this approach not only benefits our customers and the environment, but also helps to support the livelihoods of farmers and their families.
Overall, Bali Jiwa’s mission is to create a sustainable and equitable food system, while preserving and promoting traditional farming practices. We are grateful for the opportunity to share our journey with our customers and supporters, and we look forward to continuing to build a brighter future for farmers, consumers, and the environment.
