Marcos hopes Cebu to follow: 50% of Ilocos Norte’s farms allotted for organic farming

CEBU, Philippines - Ilocos Norte aims to take the lead in developing organically-grown agricultural products to meet the growing demand for health-friendly farm products.

Ilocos Norte governor Imee R. Marcos said that the province, which boasts of its vast agricultural resources, aims to dedicate 50 percent of its farmlands to organic produce noting the fast growing market for such products.

She further said that because of the market's desperate need to embrace organic products, like vegetables, fruits, crops, among others amid the scarce supply of locally produced organic crops, some are forced to buy the imported goods just to start off their shift towards healthy-living.

Marcos added that although the Department of Agriculture has an existing program promoting organic farming, the implementation and funding for this particular shift of agriculture evolution is slowed down by bureaucratic red tape.

On the other hand, the lady governor hopes that Cebu, although not really an agricultural province, will take the same direction considering its links cemented by the existing sisterhood-agreement signed by the two provinces few years back.

Marcos hopes that this shift will encourage other provinces in the Philippines, like Cebu to embrace organic farming, not only to capture the fast growing market, but also to take care of the environment in general.

At present, Ilocos Norte is encouraging farmers to refrain from using chemically-developed fertilizers, instead learn to use the natural-based fertilizer like vermiculture, among others.

She said this initiative has gotten the ire of fertilizer companies, however, she said her government is firm in implementing this program, with or without support from the national government.

Meanwhile, the DA has already made several announcements for implementation of its program called National Organic Agriculture Program, as per Republic Act 10068.

According to DA, support priority will be given to projects directly contributing to the target of the program to shift/devote at least five percent of the country’s total agricultural area to organic farming.

Organic farming in Cebu

In 2011, The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry initiated an advocacy to promote organic-farming in the entire province.

CCCI and the Cebu Coalition for Food Security and other partners, held the "Cebu Go Organic Fair and Conference,” that year to heighten awareness in organic farming concept, and its resolve issues such as impression complexities, and certification processes.

So far, there are only three organic farm certified groups, two of which are privately operated, while the other one is managed by the government.

CCCI said Cebu still lags behind in terms of promoting organic farming.

In Cebu, several non-government organizations have appealed to the DA for the implementation of a sustainable farming system in the city and province to help ensure food security.

As provided under the Republic Act, a National Organic Agriculture Board  will be created to serve as the policy-making body that will provide direction and general guidelines for the implementation of the national organic agriculture program.

Today, organic products are an alternative that is economically, environmentally and socially interesting to the small farmers, especially in Cebu.

Marcos, meanwhile is opening its doors to partner with Cebu in this initiative, together with the mutual promotion of tourism, and other industries. — Ehda M. Dagooc (FREEMAN)