THE Province of Negros Occidental is hosting this year's Negros Island Organic Farmers' Festival (NIOFF) that will underscore the importance of regeneration in sustaining the region's flourishing organic agriculture industry.
The annual activity, now on its 11th year, will be held at the Negros First Cyber Centre in Bacolod City on November 15 to 19.
Dina Genzola, senior agriculturist of Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), said Wednesday that this year's NIOFF will gather thousands of organic agriculture advocates, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholder-members including farmers, producers, exhibitors, academe, consumers and guests coming from different municipalities and cities in Negros Island Region.
Themed "Getting Connected Through Regenerative Organic Agriculture," the event will highlight the exhibits of organic products and by-products as well as showcase sustainable innovations and technologies practiced by different farmer-producers and advocates.
"The Provincial Government is working on strengthening the connections among industry stakeholders and members in promoting regenerative organic agriculture," Genzola said, adding that "regeneration is vital in maintaining a resilient industry by protecting and improving our resources."
The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement (Ifoam) has been promoting regenerative organic agriculture in various countries the world, including the Philippines.
Ifoam president Andre Leu, during his recent visit in Negros Occidental, said that for farmers to do better, regeneration of ecosystem is the basic principle that can be applied to their farm systems.
"Regenerative organic agriculture improves the resources it uses rather than destroys or depletes them," Leu said.
Activities during the five-day activity include forums on various topics like global opportunities in organic agriculture, agri-tourism, role of agriculture extension workers in agri-tourism, and edible landscaping.
There will be sessions on organic food processing, natural growing, biological system, maximizing fruit crop yield with bee pollination, role of women and youth in organic agriculture, and introduction to major pest and diseases.
Senator Cynthia Villar and Department of Agriculture executives headed by Secretary Emmanuel Piñol are also expected to attend.