In line with the month-long celebration of the 9th Organic Agriculture month, the Department of Agriculture through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (DA-AMAS), hosted the 6th Philippine Natural and Organic Products Expo (PNOPEX) at the Megatrade Hall in Mandaluyong
The opening ceremony on November 24, 2023 was led by DA officials including Undersecretary-designate for Administration Jane Bacayo, National Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP) – National Program Coordinator Bernadette San Juan, DA-AMAS Director Junibert De Sagun.
The event, which will ran until November 26, aims to showcase organic and naturally produce, encompassing both fresh and processed product as well as non-food items such as textiles, fibers, personal care products. It will also serve as an excellent opportunity to foster knowledge exchange and networking among participating organic producers and potential consumers.
“It is with immense pleasure and excitement that we mark this milestone a celebration of our collective commitment to nurturing a healthier and more harmonious relationship with our environment,” Usec. Bacayo said.
HE stressed that the event strengthened the partnership between industry stakeholders, highlighting the potential of local farmers to be known globally.
“Organic Agriculture is not only good for environment but it is also a viable economic opportunity for our farmers,” Bacayo said.
“As an advocate for sustainable living and responsible consumption, I am thrilled to extend my full pledge support to the organic agriculture products exhibit here at PNOPEX,” Dir. San Juan said.
Dir. San Juan said that the PNOPEX serves as a platform to showcase the products of organic farmers and sparks inspiration and awareness to consumers. She emphasized the pivotal role of organic farming in contributing to a greener and sustainable future.
Meanwhile, Verdant’s Managing Director Henry James Sison encouraged participants to seize the opportunity to build networks with other organic practitioners. He urged fellow farmers to consolidate efforts to ensure consistency in the availability of their supplies, emphasizing the importance of sustainability for every enterprise.
“For every enterprise, it has to be sustainable. And a sustainable enterprise will actually need and require a clean and consistent flow of money,” Sison said.
This year, sixty-three organic practitioners, producers, and agripreneurs across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao participated the 6th PNOPEX.
Apart from exhibit, DA-AMAS also prepared seminars and culinary activities during the expo. ### (Kristel Joyce Merle, DA-AFID)
