THE push for more agricultural areas devoted to organic farming has gained a boost through the two-day first Negros Island Regional Organic Agriculture Congress held at the Capitol Social Hall in Bacolod City starting Thursday, July 27.
Joyce Wendam, director of Department of Agriculture-Negros Island Region (DA-NIR), said the activity is mainly aimed at increasing the awareness, especially among organic agriculture stakeholders, on the efforts to further expand the region’s organic areas.
DA-NIR records showed that Negros Occidental alone currently has about 16,000 hectares of agricultural lands devoted to organic farming by almost 17,000 organic adaptors.
Wendam said there is a need to work hard, propagate, and develop further the region’s organic areas to maintain its position as the country’s leader in organic agriculture.
“If we will not do our best and maximize our efforts, other provinces might move ahead of us,” the DA official said, adding that “while we are on top, the challenge is to further grow since other provinces are also doing their best.”
For this year, the DA-NIR targets to expand with at least 10 percent of the current organic agriculture areas. For Negros Occidental alone, the agency is working on increasing organic farms to at least 17,600 hectares.
The figure is 2,400-hectare short of the mandated 20,000-hectare or five percent of almost 400,000-hectare agriculture area in the province provided under the Republic Act 10060, or the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010.
Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. said that going organic is the way to the future as more Negrense farmers and producers have joined the movement.
Marañon, who spoke at the opening program, said from a small group, who started the organic movement in the province 12 years ago, the number of local organic farmers and producers has significantly increased.
Marañon noted that the global sales for organic commodities have rapidly surged to USD80 billion thus, there is really a huge market for the sector.
“This is the way to the future. Let us continue to expand and work together for the organic movement in our region,” the governor said, adding that organic farming is also one measure to address climate change.
The activity gathers organic agriculture stakeholders in Negros Island, including focal persons from different cities and municipalities, farmers, and producers.
Among the activities included lectures on market prospects for organic commodities, Philippine National Standard for organic agriculture, and certification, as well as launching of the Participatory Guarantee System program.
Trade Fair
The DA-NIR, along with the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental and other partner-stakeholders, also opened the Organic Trade Fair and Exhibit at the Provincial Capitol grounds on Thursday, July 27.
Fifteen DA-assisted organic farmer-groups in Negros Occidental are showcasing and selling their products, including fresh produce and organically-processed food.
Aside from further promoting organic products, the trade fair and exhibit is also aimed at linking small farmers to bigger markets and potential buyers.
Recognition
The DA-NIR also recognized farmers, workers, and local government units who have excelled in various fields of agriculture development.
For the 2017 Regional Organic Agriculture Awards, the DA-NIR named Victorias City as Outstanding Organic City; Leni Lacuesta of Victorias City, Outstanding Organic Municipal Focal Person; Ma. Neca Dela Cruz of San Carlos City, Outstanding Organic Agricultural Extension Worker; Rodrigo Sumugat and Family of Victorias City, Outstanding Organic Farming Family; Jerry Dionson of Bago City, Outstanding Organic Farmer (Individual); and Sag-ang Organic Coffee Producers Association, Outstanding Organic Farmers (Group).
Given the Rice Achievers Award were Grace Ariola of Hinigaran and Girlie Gayanilo of Valladolid as Outstanding Agricultural Extension Workers. Sarah Villaflor of Moises Padilla and Jerry Dionson of Bago City, meanwhile, bagged the Outstanding Local Farmer Technicians Award.
For Gawad Saka 2017, the DA again recognized Merlinda Española of Isabela as Outstanding Integrated Corn Farmer; Rodrigo Sumugat and Family of Victorias City, Outstanding Farm Family; Renante Sombria of Silay City, Outstanding High Value Crop Farmer; San Carlos Agricultural and Fishery Council, Outstanding Agricultural and Fishery Council; Antonio Jesus Orbida of Binalbagan, Outstanding Coconut Farmer; Elan Cadayday of Mabinay, Negros Oriental, Outstanding Sugarcane Farmer; Richard Aquino of Manapla, Outstanding Fisherfolk; and Hinoba-an, Outstanding Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management.
Awarded as Assisting Agricultural Extension Workers were Joelyn Librado of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Leni Lacuesta of Victorias City Agriculture Office, Jo Ann Diosa of Silay City Agriculture Office, and Marlon Maglayon of San Carlos City.
All winners received prizes in cash and grants.