BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental is holding a festival supporting its continuing promotion of organic agriculture in the island.
The 13th Negros Island Organic Farmers’ Festival opened Wednesday.
The organic farming industry in the island may be developed further, said Provincial Agriculturist Japhet Masculino.
In Negros Occidental alone, there are at least 17,000 organic farming practitioners with about 16,000 hectares devoted to organic farming.
“We remain the country’s organic [farming] leader, although there are still many areas for development,” Masculino said.
This year’s four-day festival, themed “Organic Agriculture: The Greening of Negros Island,” is being held at the provincial capitol grounds.
“Greening Negros” means working toward having “healthier people, environment and economy,” said Masculino.
Organic farming does not necessitate the use of chemicals in producing food, thereby ensuring the health of consumers, he added.
The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist has been campaigning for practices that enable organic farmers to raise their income.
Improving the productivity and profitability of farmers could contribute to reducing poverty, Masculino said.
For instance, the government can provide farmers subsidies, he said.
“There is a growing market for organic products but we also want to make [these products] affordable and accessible by increasing production,” said Masculino.
Organic products and byproducts, sustainable innovations practiced and technologies used by organic farmers and advocates are being exhibited and sold at the festival site.
Other activities include the recognition of organic farming practitioners, focal persons, local government units, and stakeholders; a turnover of equipment; lectures, trainings and seminars; and “Food Olympics.” (With a report from Philippine News Agency/PN)
