Zamboanga del Norte – The Department of Agriculture (DA) – Regional Field Office IX, in collaboration with the Provincial Agriculture Office of Zamboanga del Norte, successfully hosted the 8th Regional Organic Agriculture Congress from October 17-19, 2024, at the Zamboanga del Norte Cultural and Sports Center in Dipolog City. The event attracted farmers, agricultural stakeholders, and policymakers, all united in their support for organic agriculture.
The three-day congress focused on the growing demand for organic agricultural products and aimed to promote sustainable farming practices in line with Republic Act No. 10068, also known as the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010. Through learning sessions, forums, and exhibits, participants were updated on the latest developments in organic farming, while fostering knowledge-sharing on best practices.
Key speakers included Mr. Russeth Gabanes of the National Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP), Mr. Jose Jacinto B. Antonio, DA-IX Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Person, and Ms. Jonah Lyn D. Corpuz, OIC Chief of AMAD-DA. Farmers and young scholars from different agricultural associations, such as CONZARRD/ZCOPCA and PAGGITIB, shared success stories of their organic farming initiatives.
Among the sessions, particular focus was given to the Participatory Guarantee System, market opportunities for organic products, and the Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (AMIA), discussed by Ms. Janice C. Legaspi. She emphasized that organic farming is key to addressing food insecurity and hunger while increasing farm productivity and protecting the environment. Organic agriculture also plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change impacts, making it essential for sustainable agricultural practices.
The event also featured an exhibit of organic products from Region IX, showcasing the diversity and quality of produce from local farmers. With the rising demand for organic food products, the congress served as a platform for stakeholders, including local government units, agriculture practitioners, and the media, to raise awareness and advocate for the widespread adoption of organic farming.
The congress reinforced the message that organic agriculture is not only about enhancing farm profitability but also about promoting environmental stewardship and ensuring food security for future generations. Governor Niño Uy, in his message, reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to supporting sustainable agriculture and encouraging farmers to transition to organic practices for the long-term health of the region’s agricultural sector.
