Agri-NorMin, farmers’ groups join Organic Agriculture Congress

 

BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL — Aiming to strengthen the region’s adoption of sustainable and market-driven organic farming practices, delegates from the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), along with farmers’ groups representatives and organic agriculture practitioners across Northern Mindanao, participated in the 18th National Organic Agriculture Congress (NOAC) on November 18 to 20, this city.

Carrying the theme “Kabuhayang OA, Kinabukasang OK: Halina at Kumita sa Organikong Agrikultura,” this year’s congress highlighted organic agriculture as a growing enterprise that supports livelihood and local economic development.

Organized by the Department of Agriculture – National Organic Agriculture Program (DA-NOAP), the congress served as a national platform for farmers, agripreneurs, policymakers, researchers, and advocates to exchange knowledge, present industry updates, and coordinate efforts to further develop the organic sector.

In her message, Bernadette F. San Juan, CESO II, Director of DA-NOAP, reiterated the agency’s commitment to strengthening the organic agriculture industry through livelihood support, capacity-building, and market development initiatives.

“The DA-NOAP is committed to strengthening this [organic] sector. With programs that provide livelihood projects, capacity-building, support for women and youth in agriculture, and market development, we are laying the groundwork for an organic industry that is not only viable but competitive.”

She further emphasized the significance of the congress theme, noting that organic agriculture must remain both a sustainable practice and a viable source of livelihood.

“Halina at Kumita sa Organikong Agrikultura’ is a call to action. Let us come together, not only to farm organically but to ensure that organic agriculture provides real income, dignity, and resilience to our farmers. When we make organic agriculture profitable, we make it sustainable. And when it is sustainable, we make it a legacy,” San Juan furthered.

During the three-day event, delegates took part in plenary discussions, technical sessions, and exhibitions in organic farming technologies, value-added processing, and market expansion.

The participation of Northern Mindanao representatives reflected the region’s continuing support for national efforts to promote sustainable, inclusive, and competitive organic agriculture. # (EJLG)