DA kicks off Organic Agriculture Month celebration

The Department of Agriculture (DA) led by the National Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP) formally launched the 9th Organic Agriculture (OA) Month Celebration with the theme “Kabuhayang OA, Kinabukasang OK!” on November 10, 2023 at the Quezon City Memorial Circle (QCMC).

Representing Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. during the event, DA Undersecretary for Special Concerns Zamzamin Ampatuan expressed full support to the country’s organic agriculture practitioners and industry stakeholders.

“Organic agriculture is the spirit of agriculture, the conscience of agriculture,” he said as he emphasized the many benefits of organic farming for the environment, human health, and community development, among others.

On the other hand, NOAP Director Bernadette San Juan stressed that for the Philippine agriculture to be sustainable, it needs to be self-sufficient and not dependent on imported inputs.

She also presented the Organic Agriculture Livelihood Program (OALP) and the Youth Internship Program for 2023.

“It is good to produce organic products because farmers can sell their organic produce at higher price compared to the conventionally produced agri products especially if these are certified as organic,” Senator Cynthia Villar said via video message.

She also highlighted that the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS), which serves as an affordable alternative to third party organic certification, helps more than the 165,000 small organic farmers in the country.

“Organic agricultural practices can improve the quality of our soil and water. It can save our soil from degradation through the use of excessive chemicals in our farms. Composting is the answer and the best alternative to expensive imported chemical fertilizer,” Senator Villar added as she commended the initiatives of the DA offices particularly the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM).

In partnership with the DA-Agricultural Training Institute, DA-BSWM, and the DA-Regional Field Offices, bureaus, and attached agencies, the DA-NOAP will conduct various activities nationwide highlighting the economic benefits of organic farming.

The month-long activities will promote OA enterprises among the