DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/08 August) — The Department of Agriculture (DA) will hold the first ever Regional Organic Agriculture Congress here sometime in October.
In her letter to City Agriculturist Office (CAO) officer-in-charge (OIC) Rocelio T. Tabay, DA 11 regional director Remelyn R. Recoter said the Congress will be a gathering of major industry players – farmer producers, operators of organic establishments, researchers, educators, policymakers and other industry enthusiasts.
The date for the Congress will still be finalized but it will be around the third week of October.
“This will be an opportunity to learn more about and share related experiences, as well as drum up support sectors recognized for their social, environmental, and economic contribution,” she said.
An exhibit will also be part of the event that will showcase various organic products produced by farmers in the region.
The event will also honor winners of the Regional Organic Agriculture Achievers Award.
In an interview, CAO’s organic division program coordinator Joselito Tabora said the city will convert five percent of its agricultural areas into organic as mandated by the Republic Act (RA) 10068, also known as Organic Agriculture Act of 2010.
This law provides for the development and promotion of organic agriculture in the Philippines.
He said local consumers have started to take notice of organic products for health reasons.
The city is also conducting information drive, forums and trainings to encourage farmers to go organic.
Last August 7, a meeting was called for to create the technical committee and functions for the regional organic congress and finalize topics for the breakout sessions.
To support the organic farmers, and Organic Trading Post worth P1.9 million will be opened this year on Palma Gil St., to serve as a consolidation point for all organic products produced here.
The project aims to “ensure availability and accessibility of certified and/or registered organic inputs and organic food for farmers, producers, manufacturers, and stakeholders interested in adopting organic agricultural practices.” (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)