Currently HMP Dodds spends approximately $30,000 annually to feed and house an inmate. By amalgamating
science and nature in addition to environmental education, correctional officers and inmates will be provided
with the necessary tools to embark on sustainable change. By converting the existing farm land at HMP Dodds
from conventional to organic management it is envisioned that a system of biodiversity will address the issues
of land degradation and soil pollution in addition to the conversion of Sargassum seaweed by products for
fertilizer.

Crop production with the use of alternative sources of nutrients in the form of organic manure, off farm
organic wastes and biological inputs will result in the reduction and eventual exclusion of pesticides. Sargassum
seaweed which has been viewed as waste, is a critical component of the project. Sargassum seaweed is rich in
diverse compounds and has the potential for numerous agricultural applications. As an organic liquid fertilizer
Sargassum seaweed is a natural alternative that promotes faster generation of seeds, increased crop yields,
improved water and nutrient uptake and remediation of pollutants of contaminated soil and fertilization.
The creation and maintenance of a symbiotic relationship with the existing livestock and organic concept is
integral to the proposed system. By diffusing the pollutants in the soil the quality and safety of the food
produced will grow exponentially. The farm currently consists of pigs (23 sows, 6 boars, 8 fatters, 92 piglets),
sheep (5 rams, 8 ewes, 10 Lar lambs, 3 Lar ewes), goats (4 goats, 2 kids), cows (5 bulls, 17 heifers, 12 claves)
chickens (153 layers, 2500 broilers) and a vegetable farm.
We are seeking to expand the existing operations at HMP Dodds to counter act prison costs and generate profit
by utilising inmate labour and production. The resources that are reaped from the project will be used to
benefit both the inmates and the community.
The initiative will also serve as a viable re-entry offender programme. Inmates will be provided with an
opportunity to obtain vocational and soft skills that will lead to increased employment opportunities when
released thereby reducing the rate of recidivism.