Organic agriculture presents an opportunity to entrepreneurs, and small farmers to earn profitably while ensuring food security and agricultural sustainability in the country.
This was the message of Agriculture Secretary William Dar during the 16th National Organic Agriculture Congress (NOAC), held on November 12, 2019 in Alfonso, Cavite.
According to Dar, with a growing market for organic products, the Philippines must level up its efforts to partake of the $97-billion global market.
The Agri chief also urged for the streamlining and simplifying of processes involved in securing certification of organic produce and organic fertilizer standards.
“Let’s simplify things,” Dar said.
He reiterated that new thinking strategies must be adapted and integrated in the national programs of the Department of agriculture (DA), including the inclusive agribusiness approach through a value-chain system.
Dar also explained that aside from focusing on production alone, priority must be accorded to the processing, value-adding, and marketing.
The secretary expressed admiration to the hardwork and resilience of the farmers who have contributed to the positive growth of the agriculture sector during the third quarter of the year.
“Compared to the same period last year, 2.87 percent ang increase this year kaya palakpakan ninyo ang sarili ninyo,” he said.
Secretary Dar added that to sustain the positive status of the sector, the DA will involve the community and harness a stronger partnership with other institutions, and seek support from other cabinet members and legislators.
Themed “OA4K: Organikong Agrikultura sa Kumikitang Kabuhayan para sa Kalusugan at Kapaligiran,” NOAC presented sessions on knowledge sharing, skills enhancement, and marketing opportunities, converging various stakeholders and supporters of the organic agriculture industry. ### (Pamela Arciaga, DA-AFID)
