Photo courtesy of Department of Agriculture
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines – More than a thousand farmers, industry players and advocates of organic farming will converge here for the 14th National Organic Agriculture Congress (NOAC) on October 24-26.
The Congress is one of the platforms for the development of and promotion of organic agriculture (OA) in the Philippines as provided in Republic Act No. 10068 or the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010.
The event is expected to boost the awareness and practices of organic farming in the country, said Carlene Collado, Department of Agriculture (DA) 10 regional director, during a press briefing on Friday, October 20.
“While we recognize that OA has gained ground, the agency is hopeful that it will reach even greater heights with the package of knowledge sharing, skills enhancement and market linkages during the affair,” Collado said.
Among the activities during the Congress include the conduct of consultations, organic trade exhibit, awarding ceremony for organic agriculture achievers, showcase of organic technology demonstration farm, and plenary session.
During the event, there will be break-out sessions for beginners, marketers and researchers to impart cost-effective, productive and sustainable organic farming practices, said Samuel Natindim Jr., DA 10 regional organic focal person.
The congress will also discuss updates of the Philippine National Standard and technical regulations relevant to organic farming, soil fertility and crop suitability mapping, and the national organic agriculture plan.
Farmer-producers who have succeeded in their organic farming practices and have reaped the socio-economic and environmental benefits brought by organic farming, will also share their stories to the participants.
Agriculture officials, including Senator Cynthia Villar, chair of the Senate Agriculture and Food Committee, and DA Secretary Emmanuel Piñol are expected to attend the gathering.
“With the engagement of the Congress delegates, the DA is keen on enlisting more farmers, agri-stakeholders and consumers to make OA as a viable farming option and provide optimum and continuous support to the industry,” Collado said.(davaotoday.com)
