ORGANIC AGRICULTURE (OA) includes all agricultural systems that promote the environmentally, socially, and economically sound production of food and fibers. It sprang from the need to produce safe food as an alternative to alleviate overexploitation and degradation of natural resources and the environment.

Activities on OA in the Philippines started long before the promulgation of Executive Order 481, which declares the state’s policy to promote and develop OA in the country. Simply put, the EO translates into strong government support to OA.

Since this policy was executed, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development through its Agricultural Resources Management Research Division, has already taken significant strides in supporting OA in the country.

Investment package

Swings in peso-dollar exchange rate pose heavy toll on imported inorganic fertilizers and makes farming expensive especially for small and medium-scale farmers.  Along this line, PCARRD decided to invest fully on alternative fertilizers that are affordable and environment-friendly.

The decision took the form of a project called Investment Package for the Commercial Production of Organic Fertilizer that aims to step up the establishment of organic fertilizer businesses and promote a sustainable local organic fertilizer market. The agency recently approved its implementation with UPLB as lead implementer. The project is expected to provide current and prospective entrepreneurs with reliable basis for investing in science and technology-based production technologies.

Vegetable production

A safe, nutritious, and affordable vegetable for a healthy populace is the target for implementing the project S&T Model Farm for Organic Vegetable Production. This is in line with PCARRD’s Techno Gabay Program for enhancing Farmers Information and Technology Services for rural development.

PCARRD’s Magsasaka Siyentista plays a major role in showing through a well-managed farm the results of adopting a combination of best practices. With this showcase, 30 more potential adopters in Ilocos Norte and La Union are expected to follow. This project is a collaborative undertaking of PCARRD and the Ilocos Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium.

Capability development

PCARRD held a five-day Trainers Training Course on Organic Agriculture Development in the Philippines in cooperation with the Philippine Development Assistance Program, and Organic Certification Center of the Philippines.  This provided participants with holistic knowledge and skills on OA. The course culminated with the formulation of re-entry plans to ensure the application and transfer of learnings gained.

Senator Ramon Magsaysay, Jr.’s office has allocated P2.3 million for an organic training and model farm in Brgy. Tinurik, Tanauan, City. The project aims to raise the people’s level of awareness and appreciation of organic farming as a viable agri-business venture. It will showcase low cost but profitable farming and soil conservation techniques through farm wastes recycling.

The Organic Farming Production Training and Consultancy, Inc implements the project, with PCARRD and Department of Science and Technology-Region IV providing technical assistance, monitoring, and evaluation functions.  A training manual on OA is a major output of the project.

Information dissemination

A lot of information on OA is available but widely dispersed in several organizations. Through information networking arrangements, organic farming- related activities are now integrated and made available to users through Phil-Organic or Organic Farming Information Network. This is a web-based information service that provides accessible data and information to various stakeholders in the organic farming industry.

To raise people’s awareness on OA, PCARRD produced communication materials and disseminated them to walk-in visitors, students, researchers, and other clients. The most recent publication is the Philippines Recommends for Organic Fertilizer Production and Utilization.

Policy advocacy

Through EO 481, which is titled “Promotion and Development of Organic Agriculture in the Philippines,” the government has explicitly declared support to aggressive programs on OA. PCARRD actively participated in public hearings and related meetings on the EO’s drafting called by the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food.  The agency’s comments and suggestions bore fruit as shown in the final EO’s Implementing Rules and Regulations signed August 1, 2006.

DOST is a member of the National Organic Agriculture Board while PCARRD’s involvement as detailed in these policies include among others its membership in the national technical committee, standards committee, R&D project prioritization, and in Phil-Organic’s  implementation.

A forward-looking Council

Many consumers are becoming health and environment-conscious with preferences shifting towards safe and organically grown foods. Organic products also command premium price, which attract investors. 

Interest in organic agriculture will likely grow for years because of consumer’s rising awareness on food-related health issues, profitability, and global movement pushing for sustainable agriculture.  STP