Taking organic a step higher

Mounting health concerns over the widespread use of chemical-based pesticides and fertilizers, along with the increasing preference for healthier food through more sound growing practices, underscore the need to further promote the same in the local agricultural scene.

Today, it is estimated global profits from organic food and drinks are in the vicinity of over $40 billion, a significant rise from the estimated $23 billion in 2002. Locally, organic farmers produce some $20 million worth of organic food and drinks while a bigger quantity is imported, if only to meet steadily rising demand which is growing by an average of 10-20 percent yearly.

Another multi-billion dollar opportunity that has yet to be fully maximized is the Asian market, where the demand for herbal medicines using organically-grown plants is on the rise, owing to the more pronounced health consciousness and pro-environment stance of Asians.

Economic, environmental and health concerns

Other than the health issues, the economic meltdown in many parts of the world has prompted many growers to look for cheaper and healthier alternatives to farming while helping to curb global warming and environmental degradation traced in part to chemicals.

Organic farms and produce have steadily grown in number and volume this past decade, underscoring the emergence of a market looking for healthier farm products and shying away from perfect-looking but chemical-laced fruits and vegetables.

Still, organic markets and products are almost always identified with and widely patronized by the wealthier classes, since organic products here have yet to reach mainstream and are more often than not costlier than non-organic farm produce.

But who said it is only the well-off who have the right to partake of healthier food products or patronize healthier farming practices? Hence, organic farmers have been joining hands to promote organic agriculture and prod government to take a more active role.

Global trends and statistics will have been showing the vast economic potential of organic farming, especially in countries like ours blessed with vast tracts of arable land and agriculture-friendly climate.

Even the private sector has formed several groups to generate more awareness and interest among other farmers, entrepreneurs and consumers. It is now up to government, already armed with private sector interest and pertinent laws, to do its part, look at the long term and sustainable benefits of organic farming and not bow to political pressure from powerful groups of importers and vested interests.

Organic farming law

There is even a law that is ready to lend a hand to this promising agricultural practice which brings both economic as well as health and environmental benefits in the long run.

Early this year, Republic Act 10068, otherwise known as the Organic Agricultural Act of 2010, was signed, superseding Executive Order 481 (2005) which was earlier carried out for the same purpose.

Beyond merely advancing awareness in organic farming, RA 10068 extends incentives to groups and individuals willing to invest and venture into organic farming. A P50-million fund was also set aside for the agriculture department to carry out initiatives and activities aimed at promoting organic agricultural practices.

The Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 is described as a measure that will lay the groundwork for a program that will promote organic farming and the mass marketing of chemical-free produce nationwide.

Salient points of Organic Agricultural Act

Among the more salient points of the law is the extension of numerous incentives to micro, small and medium, enterprises that will engage in organic farming, the establishment of a National Organic Agriculture Board (NOAB) and a P50 million additional funding for the DA exclusively for organic farming purposes.

Land Bank of the Philippines, under the law, will offer friendlier and more flexible rates for loan applicants who will participate in organic farming. In addition, they will be exempted from paying duties for imported farm implements and equipment as well as VAT exemption for transactions involving organic products. To top it off, organic farming investors also stands to receive a seven-year income tax holiday.

The new law also addresses the issue of certification and labeling of organic products. Before, organic producers lamented the contrasting standards imposed by international organic certification organizations and its local counterparts.

Addressing the certification issue, organic farmers stressed, will make locally-produced organic food and drinks more credible in the export market and cheaper since they will no longer have to seek costly certification from overseas.

With the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Product Standards (BAFPS) designated to grant official accreditation to organic certifying body or entity, as well as formulate the necessary rules and procedures in the accreditation of organic certifying body, the problem is expected to be sorted out.

Private sector and gov’t political will

A big group of organic farmers nationwide have joined hands and formed One Organic Movement and is bent on working for the development of the promising organic agriculture in the country.

Mindanaofarmers have also welcomed efforts to promote organic farming and the technical support extended by government since it will benefit both their health and earning capacity.

They have cited the health benefits to be reaped in the wake of numerous cases wherein dire health consequences struck many farmers and their families as well as rendering tracts of land less productive due to chronic use of chemicals.

Private sector support for organic agriculture and farming is strong. The ball is now in the hands of the new administration to complete the picture by making sure the salient provisions of the Organic Act are carried out, and political will exercised for organic farming to take off.

In a world burdened by legitimate concerns on health and environmental destruction due to traditional farming practices, organic farming is an authentic way to better, safer and healthier food production. –Rey Gamboa (The Philippine Star)