Regulation of organic agriculture pushed

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- Organic agriculture, the reemerging farming practice in the province, is being pushed for its regulation.

Its passage is important in ensuring its sustainability, said Board Member Robert Namoro, principal author of the ordinance that seeks to institutionalize the programs, projects and activities for the promotion and development of organic agriculture in the province and providing funds for its implementation.

The proposed measure aims to protect consumer and farmer health including the environment, encourage and support production of organic fertilizers, organic feeds, biological control agents and the like, establish and develop markets for organic products, educate stakeholders, establish and support research development centers among others.

This will give focus on the programs and activities of concerned offices in discharging functions for its implementation with the initial annual allocation of P2 million. It will minimize the use of hazardous fertilizers, pesticides and pharmaceuticals. It will also serve as an environment-friendly alternative practice.

The crafting of the legal measure is anchored on the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 which is aimed to promote, propagate, develop and implement the practice of organic agriculture in the Philippines.

Organic agriculture includes all agricultural systems that promote the ecologically sound, socially acceptable, economically viable and technically feasible production of food and fibers.

Among the other provisions of the proposed ordinance are as follows: support services to organic farming practitioners; access to government credit support; setting of standards and accreditation; internal quality control/internal control system; establishment of organic farms and organic agriculture learning centers; conservation of indigenous farm practices and resources; promotion of urban/ backyard gardening; integration of organic farming system; conduct of Provincial Organic Farmers’ Congress. There will also be the establishment of incentives and awards system for individuals

and organizations engaged in organic agriculture.

For the effective operations of the program, a Provincial Technical Committee on Organic Agriculture to be chaired by the provincial governor, will be created to act as the policy making and recommendatory body.