Source: Public Relations and Information Department

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Development of Philippine organic agriculture in sought
26 January 2010 09:56:57 AM
Writer: Salvacion T. Beleo, MRS-PRIB

A lawmaker is strongly pushing for the development of organic agriculture in the country to promote sustainable production and ecological farming.

Rep. Luis R. Villafuerte (2nd District, Camarines Sur), in filing House Bill 7043, said organic agriculture offers potentially more sustainable production and embodies an ecological approach to farming that does not rely on or use toxic pesticides, chemical fertilizers, synthetic chemicals, genetically modified organisms, antibiotics, sewage sludge or irradiation.

Villafuerte said the polluting effects of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and other synthetic materials that are being used in agriculture have adversely contaminated food produce, water and air.

"Instead of using these harmful products and practices, organic agriculture utilizes natural processes and techniques such as cover cropping, crop rotation, and composting to produce healthy soil, or build soil fertility, recycle nutrients, prevent pest and disease problems, grow healthy food and fiber and increase yields," Villafuerte said.

The Bicol solon also wants to take advantage of the growing demand for organic agricultural produce in developed countries as reported by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

"These present opportunities for developing countries like the Philippines to export organic produce to Europe and North America account for around 95% of organic food sales," Villafuerte said.

"Organic agriculture could also provide various benefits, contribute to meaningful socio-economic and ecologically sustainable development especially to developing countries like the Philippines such as the economic benefits, environmental benefits, health benefits and social and cultural benefits," Villafuerte added.

According to Villafuerte, organic farmers in the country continue to face challenges, such as high cost of organic certification, limited information on organic methods and market opportunities, and having to compete against subsidized developed-country produce.

Likewise, implications of certified and non-certified organic farming need to be addressed to, Villafuerte said.

Villafuerte said the bill aims to propagate, promote, direct and develop a comprehensive organic agriculture program in the Philippines while addressing the other lateral and related issues, challenges and concerns that would help the country successfully move toward organic agriculture.