Documentation and assessment of socio-cultural aspects of organic agriculture

Date

2015

Abstract

The socio-cultural aspects of organic agriculture (OA) in the nine provinces in the Philippines – Tarlac, Quezon, Camarines Sur, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Cebu, Bukidnon, and Davao was documented and assessed based on the data gathered from FG, KII and survey. There were 11 focus groups conducted among the representatives of various OA farming organizations, while there were 37 interviews to various experts: farmers, technicians, traders, representatives of NGOs and LGUs. In the survey, gender relations, labor dynamics and market systems, perceived attitudes on the social cost and benefits of organic agriculture to the farmers were determined. The findings showed that OA in the nine provinces started between 1960 and 1980. It was then known as natural farming. The active promotion of OA was after the promulgation of Republic Act 10068 or 'Organic Agriculture Act of the Philippines'. It was promoted thru conduct of trainings, meetings, lectures, farm visits and fora that are centered on the production of organic fertilizers (concoctions), pesticides and vermicompost. The motivating factor for conversion to OA is mainly for economic, health, and environmental reasons. Organic farming (OF) does not involve synthetic inputs which is the reason why the fertility of the soil is restored. With continuous practice of OF, it can help mitigate the effect of global warming. Furthermore, compared to inorganic farming, there is less expense for farm inputs and yet organic products are even sold at higher price than inorganic. OA was also found to be a family activity where members are involved from land preparation to marketing. The farmers make their own fertilizers using a variety of techniques such as composting, vermicomposting, bokashi, using microorganisms (IMO, EM), and making concoctions (foliar and liquid fertilizers). There were also some who practice integrated farming, which involves a combination of crops, vegetables, livestock and fishpond. The farmers sold a variety of organic products such as rice, vegetables, fruits, herbs, fish and livestock, and vermicast. Organic products are typically sold to farmers' neighbors, direct buyers, organic farmers'; organization, and middlemen. Some products are also sold the local public markets and supermarkets. The challenges encountered by organic farmers are related to organic farming operations, government support, and organic certification. Though certification is deemed important to farmers for it guarantees that products are truly organic, they suggest the use of Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) instead of the institutionalized certification. The findings of the study can be use d to craft policies on marketing of organic products. Organic agriculture is a way of life, and is a means to promote good health, to attain sustainable income for the farmers and to achieve quality environment.

Language

English

Document Type

Article

Pages /Collation

437 pages

En – AGROVOC descriptors

ORGANIC AGRICULTURE; SOCIOCULTURAL ENVIRONMENT; DOCUMENTATION; FARMING SYSTEMS; COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS; FARMERS; PHILIPPINES

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