Organic farmers, advocates to convene in CDO for agri confab

Among the activities during the Congress include the conduct of consultations, organic trade exhibit, awarding ceremony for OA achievers, showcase of organic technology demonstration farm, and plenary session.(Photo by James Almond/Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—More than a thousand farmers, industry players and advocates of organic farming will converge in this city for the 14th National Organic Agriculture Congress (NOAC) on October 24-26.

Carlene Collado, Department of Agriculture-10 (DA-10) director, said the Congress is one of the platforms for the development of and promotion of organic agriculture (OA) in the Philippines as provided in Organic Agriculture Act of 2010.

The event is expected to boost the awareness and practices of organic farming in the country, Collado said during a press briefing on Friday (Oct. 20).

“While we recognize that OA has gained ground, the agency is hopeful that it will reach even greater heights with the package of knowledge sharing, skills enhancement and market linkages during the affair,” Collado said.

Among the activities during the Congress include the conduct of consultations, organic trade exhibit, awarding ceremony for OA achievers, showcase of organic technology demonstration farm, and plenary session.

During the event, there will be break-out sessions for beginners, marketers and researchers, to impart cost-effective, productive and sustainable organic farming practices, said Samuel Natindim Jr., DA-10 regional organic focal person.

To be discussed at the Congress are updates of Philippine National Standard and technical regulations relevant to OA, soil fertility and crop suitability mapping, national OA plan, among others.

Farmer-producers who have succeeded in their organic farming practices, who have reaped the socio-economic and environmental benefits brought by OA, will also share their stories to the Congress participants.

Expected to attend the activity are prominent Agriculture officials, including Sen. Cynthia Villar, chair of the Senate Agriculture and Food Committee and DA Secretary Emmanuel Piñol.

“With the engagement of the Congress delegates, the DA is keen on enlisting more farmers, agri-stakeholders and consumers to make OA as a viable farming option and provide optimum and continuous support to the industry,” Collado said.