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Experts
from Department of Agriculture (DA) agencies, State Colleges and
Universities (SCUs), the regional R&D consortia, international
agencies, and private sectors worked together on the National Consultation
Workshop on Organic Agriculture S&T Framework and Specific RDE
Program for 2007-2010 last 26-27 July at PCARRD.
Sponsored by
the Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR), Bureau of Agriculture
Fishery and Products Standards (BAFPS) and PCARRD, the activity
updated the agencies involved on the status of the Philippine organic
agriculture. The participants also developed a national research
development and extension program on organic agriculture.
The workshop
includes organizing different activities into coherent focused strategic
programs, most importantly the priority projects and roles of all
stakeholders to push and promote organic agriculture.
Various R&D
partners and stakeholders, particularly farmers, would be participants
in the S&T framework for organic agriculture defined in the
workshop. If the farmers recognize and see the value of the practice,
especially on their livelihood, income and nutrition, organic agriculture
will become more sustainable.
The R&D
program in organic agriculture is hoped to increase the country’s
food production. Organic agriculture, defined as a “holistic
production management system that avoids the use of synthetic fertilizers,
pesticides, and genetically modified organisms” is like the
conventional one, but is less harmful to the environment.
PCARRD has earlier
exerted efforts in promoting organic agriculture to farmers and
entrepreneurs.
One of its endeavors
is the continuing project on Investment Package for the Commercial
Production of Organic Fertilizer. The project hopes to provide information
to potential entrepreneurs about investing in organic fertilizer-based
enterprises.
PCARRD also
supports S&T-based model farms on organic vegetable production
in Ilocos Norte and La Union. These farms show the practicality
of science-based interventions compared to existing farming practices.
Aside
from training on organic agriculture provided for its network agencies,
PCARRD also maintains the Phil-Organic website and has produced
different types of print communication materials. (Pia Paula P.
Mateo, S&T Media Service)
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