Module 1 Introduction to Organic Agriculture Wrenees you eat something, are you conscious of where it came from, he ‘ow it was grown, and the other processes that went with it after harvesting? Inthe past, people were just concerned about having affordable and delicious food on their table. Today, more people have gone beyond taste and cost considerations to include freshness, safety, wellness and sustainability issues when buying food. Many people all over the world are now looking at the way their food is produced not only to protect the environment but also to promote their own health and wellness. Can you relate to this so-called “green” movement? In deciding to take this course, we are sure that you share the same concerns about food production. All these issues are all part of what we have come to Ww Now as ‘organic agriculture’.Organic agriculture has gained world-wide attention due to food nafety Scares, animal welfare issues and the concerns on the impact of conventional agriculture on the environment. Consumers have also been alarmed with health issues brought about by indiscriminate use of pesticides and synthetic silizers and its strong link to cancers. ties by Rigby and Caceres (2001) revealed that in the erage of 22% of agricultural lands is organic, while in count .nd Sweden the figure is over 10% (Soil Association, 2000). The area nic and in-conversion land in the UK doubled between 1999 and 2000, USDA estimates that in the USA the value of retail sales of orgat 1999 w: foods in approximately $6 billion, while the number of organic farmers is increasing 2t a rate of about 12% per year (USDA, 2000 in Rigby and Caceres, 2001). In Australia, the share of all agricultural land under organic farming has been growing steadily since the early 1990s, from 0.8% in 1990 to 2.7% = 2005 (Wheeler 2008). In the Asia Pacific region, the area under organic much less than 1% compared to EU and USA but is increas AM hile, organic agriculture promotes environmental sustainability by > minimizing environmental impacts due to agriculture. Since in ture, pesticides and other synthetic products are banned, the mnt is protected from pollutants (Hansen Alroe, &Kristensen, 2001). culture minimizes the nutrient loss in soil through nutrient nitrogen leaching and nitrous oxide and ammonia emissions organic agriculture because of lower levels of nitrogen inputs in the farm. Better soil quality is observed in organic agriculture such that it logical activity in the soil (Doran et al., 1994 as cited in Hansen ensen 2001). In addition, soil organic matter is higher due to addition of manure or compost (Tuomisto, Hodge, Riordan, & Macdonald, e lesser 4c agriculture enhances the biodiversity in the agricultural areas. It increases species richness by 30% and abundance of organisms by 50%, most Prominent in plants, birds and predatory insects (Bengtsson, Ahnstrom, Weibull, 2005). Organic agriculture mainly started from consumer groups, civil societies Organic and non-government organizations who wanted to eat safe food. Today governments have also supported and advanced the adoption of organic agriculture through laws, subsidies and various forms of tax incentives (Rrra- Organic Agriculture has now gained national objectives recognition. There has been much interest about organic agriculture in the Philippines recently attheend of this module, | due to the signing into law on April 6, 2010 of the thelearners shall be able to: | Organic Agriculture Act (OAA) also referred to as, | Republic Act 10068, The implementing rules and Define organic regulations (IRR) of the OAA was approved last } agriculture and explain January 30, 2011. Organic Agriculture is not just a its importance; fad because it has a legal basis for its nationwide 2 Explain the legal basis of | promotion. organic agriculture in the Philippines; In this module, we will learn about what organic 3 Differentiate organic agriculture means based on how the law defines Iture and conven- it and in accordance with the internationally tional agriculture; accepted definition. We will also learn how organic 4. Determine the advan- agriculture started as well as the legal basis for tages and disadvantages | promoting it in the Philippines. We will provide of organic agriculture; you several important criteria that will guide you and in examining the main differences between organic 5. Discuss current issues and conventional agriculture. In order to gain a regarding the under- deeper understanding of organic agriculture we standing of organic will present both advantages and disadvantages agriculture. of organic agriculture as well as some fallacies and facts about organic agriculture. What Is Organic Agriculture? What comes to your mind when you hear the term “organic agriculture”? Some people think organic agriculture i the use of organic fertilizers most commonly chicken manure. Would you agree? Pause for a minute and think of the words that you normally relate to organic agriculture? Bear these in mind as you read the following section. tis a common misconception among farmers that because they use organic fertilizers (most commonly chicken manure) in their crops this automatically ‘means they are practicing organic agriculture. If you ask about their practices of controlling pests you will discover that they use synthetic pesticides. Recently, many of our farmers are planting Bt corn and RR corn (Round-up Ready corn), are genetically modified organisms (GMO) which are not allowed in organic agriculture. We will learn more about GMOs as we goalong the course.Brief Note: GMOs or Genetically Modified Organisms are living things in which the genetic material has been changed through modern biotechnology ina way that does not occur naturally by multiplication or reproduction (FAO 2009). For example, to produce Bt corn genetic material from the bacteria, Bacillus thuringensis using biotech- nology is “inserted” in the corn for it to produce a toxin. This com with such toxin will cause death to the pests that will eat the corn. However, the next question is, how would the bacteria behave when humans eat the Bt corn directly or indirectly through meat, milk and eggs from animals fed Bt corn? This is an on-going big debate! Learn more about the GMO debate: | www.ncbinimnihy 2409/ pdf ibs. Read further below to discover what organic agriculture is really about. We will be looking at the definition of organic agriculture as stated in the Organic Agriculture Act (OAA) of 2010 also known as Republic Act 10068: Organic agriculture “...includes all agricultural systems: That promote the ecologically sound, socially acceptable, economically viable and technically feasible production of food and fibers; That dramatically reduce external inputs by avoiding the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and pharmaceuticals; Itcovers soil fertility management, varietal breeding and selection without nthetic chemicals and pesticides; + That enhance farmers, Productivity without destroying the soil and harming consumers and the environment; That the use of biotechnology and other cultural practices are consistent with the principles and policiesof this Act, provided, that the biotechnology herein referred to shall not include genetically modified organisms or GMOs...”The OAA definition of organic agriculture was mainly based on the definition adopted by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements. (IFOAM). It says that “...organic agriculture is “a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects. Organic agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved.” While the definition of organic agriculture is clear in the law, at present there are still many misconceptions and misinterpretations across stakeholders about what organic agriculture is all about. A growing concern is that farmers and agricultural technologists may just tend to go into “farming by input substitution”. This means substituting conventional farming inputs with those approved for organic production, rather than using an array of cultural and biological practices to build soils, control pests, and grow nutritious, productive crops (Oryza Organic Rice Market Report 2002). This calls for a strong commitment of our organic farmers as well as expanding the scope of organic farming practices (PhiIDRRA 2004). Do you realize now that organic farming is not just avoiding the use of harmful inputs? Rather, it is also a way of life that respects nature and other living things including humans.Roots of Organic Agriculture in the Philippines The term ‘organic agriculture’ has become more famous in certain sectors of the Philippine society. The words “organic products” and “organic markets” have now become more common, But have you wondered how this agricultural system start and develop in the country? It was in the 1980s when the concept of Sustainable Agriculture was promoted because the negative effects of the green revolution of the 1960s and 70s were already becoming apparent. There was an increasing dependence of farmers to harmful synthetic and imported chemicals in their agricultural production. Simultaneously, the prices of these imported inputs continued to increase through time. This created problems among farmers as they became indebted. Figure 1.1 presents conventional rice production in Baco, Oriental Mindoro. Of the total cash cost, 65% was spent on synthetic fertilizers, 18% on pesticides and 17% on fuel oil (Mendoza 2002).Pesticides: 18% oi 17% Fertilizer 18% Figure 1.1 Allocation of cash costs in conventional rice farming ir. Baco, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. (Figure derived from data from Mendoza 2002) Inrecent years, high consumer demand for safe organic products is increasing due to their growing awareness on the adverse effects to human health and the environmental threats brought about by intensive synthetic fert and pesticide use in conventional farming, Many unexplained illnesses and cancers were observed 7 ‘The advocacy for organic agriculture in the country increased with the intervention of people's organizations (POs) and non-government organizations (NGOs) in seeking environmental protection from conventional agriculture. With these events, the private sector, people's organizations and non-government organization geared their programs toward the wide implementation of organic agriculture in the Philippines. ‘The first steps of organic agriculture in the Philippines focused mainly on rice as it is considered the “most politically important commodity” aside from >being the staple food of the country (PhilD HRA, 2004). In subsequent years, the private sector, non-government organizations, government agencies and some state universities initiated the production of organic food such as colored unpolished rice, muscovado sugar, garlic, herbs, ginger, lowland and highland vegetables, coconut products, bananas, pineapples and lesser wn fruits like santol, guava, passion fruit, guyabano. To some extent ae eggs and free-range chickens were also produced. At present, the ilippines exports organic coconut products, muscovado sugar, some Unpolished riceand Cavendish banana to Japan, Europe and the USA.8 Organic Agriculture Through a strong multi-sectoral effort created by the POs, NGOs, academe, private sector, farmers and civil society, the policy-makers of the country realized and became convinced of the importance of supporting organic agriculture. Thus, series of consultations, policy dialogues and engagement with legislators were held and, eventually, Republic Act (RA) 10068 also known as the Organic Agriculture Act (OAA) was passed on April 6, 2010. Another series of regional and national consultations and workshops among stakeholders were held to draft the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the OAA which was approved and adopted on January 30, 2011. In compliance with the OAA, the National Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP) 2012-2016 was prepared and subjected to public consultations among different sectoral representatives at national and regional levels ‘This is a demonstration of attempts of the government to widen stakeholder participation in defining the future of organic agriculture in the Philippines. Learn more about NOAP 2012-2016, please link to: http 2 :/ Lbafps.da.gov.ph/attachments/article/45/organicact %20 10irr%281%29.pdfOrganic Agriculture Act (OAA) We have been mentioning earlier the Organic Agriculture Act. Let’s learn more about the law on which the success of organic agriculture greatly depends. The Organic Agriculture Act (OAA) of 2010 or Republic Act 10068 is a declaration of the policy of the State to promote, propagate, develop further and implement the practice of organic agriculture in the Philippines that will: + cumulatively condition and enrich the fertility of the soil increase farm productivity reduce pollution and destruction of the environment prevent the depletion of natural resources further protect the health of the farmers, consumers and the general public,and save on imported farm inputs. The OAA covers (1) policy formulation; (2) research, development and extension; (3) establishment of processing facilities for organic fertilizers and other farm inputs; and (4) provision of support services for farmers and other stakeholders. To learn more about OAA, please link to: http://bafps.da.gov.ph/attachments/article/45/arganicact_%20 2010irr %281%29.pdf) Tolearn more about the OAA Implementing Rules and Regulations, please link to: http:/ / www.cocafm.gov.ph/wp-content/ uploads/downloads/2011/02/ Organic-Act-IRR.pdf Main actors involved in promoting organic agriculture As we know, there are many people, groups, and organizations involved in agriculture. In the same manner, the growth of organic agriculture rests on the cooperation of these stakeholders. Let’s talk about the agencies and sectors that should be involved in implementing the organic agriculture Programs of the country.ules and Regulations (IRR) of the OAA, Inpro National Oran ime andl projects to develop and promote organi Fee oo eoieeatuction, processing and marketing among other Fe GAB provides the direetion for the smooth implementation i “Agriculture Program (NOAP). Hhrinagh the ution: of the Jational Organic The NOAB io composed of the following: J. Chaitpenan ~ Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA) or his Undersecretary 2. Vice-Chair Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) . Members» Department of Science and Technology (DOsT) Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Department of Education (DepEd) Department of Aprarian Reform (DAR) Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Department of Health (DOH) 4. Three representatives from small farmers groups, one each for - Luzon Visayas - Mindanao 5. One representative from a Non-Government Organization (NGO) 6. One representative from an agricultural college or university 7. One representative from the private sector or agribusiness firm. The Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Products Standards (DA-BAFPS),an agency of the Department of Agriculture serves as the national technical and administrative secretariat of the NOAB and coordinates with other agencies in implementing the OA programs approved by the NOAB. The Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) in coordination with other agencies assists in the formulation and implementation of unified and integrated organic agriculture Research, Development and Extension (RDB) plans and programs from the national to the field level.Section 23 of the OAA defined the roles and responsibilities of the Department of Education to include organic agriculture in its curriculum for all elementary and secondary school levels. Additionally, the NOAB shall call upon tertiary educational institutions and government technical training centers to integrate organic agriculture in their curricula and operational activities. Playing an important role in the implementation of organic agriculture programs are the local executive committees. As stated in Section 14 of the OAA, the Governor of every province shall form a provincial technical committee on organic agriculture with the assistance of BAFPS/DA-Regional Field Units to be able to implement programs included in the NOAP. Likewise, the Mayor and local executive committee of every municipality shall: 1. Forma municipal technical committee to be able to implement OA programs at local level; 2. Shall establish dedicated stalls in public markets; and 3. Shall provide trading posts where organic fertilizers, organic seeds, organic pesticides and other organic farm inputs can be bought. We will learn more about promoting organic agriculture at the local level later in Module 10.Incentives to organic producers incentives and benefits are provided to include cash award for best organic farm; fee exemption for importation of agricultural equipment, machinery and mplements; local tax incentives for producing, and using organic farm inputs; provision of preferential rates and special windows with the Landbank of the Philippines; subsidies for certification fees and other support services; assistance in applying for organic certification; Zero VAT in purchasing organic inputs and organic produce and Income Tax holiday of seven (7) years starting from the date of registration with BAFPS. acourage organic farming, certified farmer producers. These To encourage local promotion, these benefits, particularly those with regards to taxes, can only be availed by organic agriculture entities and organic farmer producers whose products are intended for local markets. Subsidies for organic products intended for export shall only be provided to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), indi i reform beneficiaries (ANI pnt Ga Sea ermnane Sees