Dutch firm urges Pinoys to shift to natural farming

CEBU, Philippines - Filipino farmers should start to realize the benefits of shifting from chemical-based farming activities to the use of natural systems in agriculture.

Bram Koppert, Asia Pacific area manager of Koppert Biological Systems, said the Philippines has a very big potential in natural growing because of its rich natural resources. KBS is a Dutch-based firm specializing in biological control systems.

In an interview at the sidelines of Natural Growing Congress in Cebu last Friday, Koppert noted the country is a good market for products such as biological control insects and safe solutions used in natural farming.

For so many years, local farmers in the nation have been using pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals in agricultural production.

While most of them believe that using chemicals result to abundant output, Koppert stressed natural growing systems have more economic viability.

"The agriculture sector in the Philippines is very interesting," the manager said. "We want to bring [biological solutions] to the growers here because they need it and it's critical in achieving food security."

He, however, claimed it can be very challenging to encourage crop producers to adopt biological crop protection and natural pollination in their production.

"There are actually great opportunities also for conventional farmers to reduce using chemical fertilizers. We want to change their habits," he explained.

The use of chemicals, he said, affects the crop quality, soil and environmental quality.

Although natural growing could entail a significant amount of initial investment, it also increases the competitiveness and quality of farm products.

Organic products demand higher price in both international and local markets, which generate higher revenues for the growers.

Koppert likewise stressed the government and agriculture players must consider natural farming as an alternative to conventional planting as the former promotes long-term food security and food safety.  (FREEMAN)