NOAP of DA leads the conduct of an FGD with MACOFA to solicit inputs for profit profile and success stories within the organic agri sector.

 

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – Geared toward soliciting inputs for profit profile and success stories within the organic agriculture sector, the National Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP) in coordination with its regional counterpart in Northern Mindanao of the Department of Agriculture (DA), leads the conduct of a focus group discussion and field visit on October 18, here.

Facilitated by the DA-NOAP team composed of development management officers, Frances Pamela R. Reyes and Kristine Gabrielle O. Soriano, and the OA program of DA-Regional Field Office 10, the activity sought to draw information on organic rice production as priority scope from the core group of the Malaybalay City Organic Farmers’ Association (MACOFA), an organic certified Farmer-Community Association under the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS).

Discussions centered on the materials used and cost structure of growing organic rice from land preparation until its market, including its sales and returns in engaging the production of such and alternative sources of income, to maximize the returns of their harvests.

The MACOFA-PGS is an association of PGS-certified farmers based in the cities of Malaybalay and Valencia, Bukidnon who are noted producers of certified organic farm products such as rice, herbs and spices, and vegetables. The first in Bukidnon to be accredited by the DA-Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS) in 2023, they comply with the requirements, standards, and norms of organic agriculture.# (JLO/Photos supplied: OA program)