AGRI104-INTRODUCTION TO ORGANIC AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 1- INTRODUCTION

1. Historical trends in the development of organic agriculture in

the Philippines

Sir Albert Howard (1873-1947)

• The British botanist Sir Albert Howard is often

referred to as the father of modern organic agriculture.
From 1905 to 1924, he worked as an agricultural adviser
in Pusa, Bengal, where he documented traditional
Indian farming practices and came to regard them as
superior to his conventional agriculture science.
• Albert Howard was raised on a farm in England,
and educated at Cambridge University.
• In 1943, Howard published An Agricultural
Testament, in which he described the importance of
observing natural systems as a guide for the
maintenance of soil fertility in agricultural systems.
What are the main principles underlying Nature's
agriculture? These can most easily be seen in operation
in our woods and forests.

• Mixed farming is the rule: plants are always found with animals: many species
of plants and of animals all live together. In the forest every form of animal life,
from mammals to the simplest invertebrates, occurs. The vegetable kingdom
exhibits a similar range: there is never any attempt at monoculture: mixed
crops and mixed farming are the rule.”
• “The soil is always protected from the direct action of sun, rain, and wind. In
this care of the soil strict economy is the watchword: nothing is lost. The whole
of the energy of sunlight is made use of by the foliage of the forest canopy and
of the undergrowth.
• The leaves also break up the rainfall into fine spray so that it can the more easily
be dealt with by the litter of plant and animal remains which provide the last
line of defence of the precious soil. These methods of protection, so effective in
AGRI104-INTRODUCTION TO ORGANIC AGRICULTURE

dealing with sun and rain, also reduce the power of the strongest winds to a
gentle air current.”
• According to what Howard called "the Law of Return," all organic waste
materials, including sewage sludge, should be returned to farmland.
• Recalling his experiences in India, he described the "Indore" (after a region in
India) method of composting and prescribed a certain pile size, heat, moisture,
aeration, and mix of plant, animal, urine- soaked earth, and ash materials as
the proper composting recipe.
• In Farming and Gardening for Health or Disease (later published as Soil and
Health), Howard introduced the idea that disease, whether in plants, animals
or humans, was caused by unhealthy soil and that proper farming techniques
would make the soil and those living on it, healthy.
• In 1946, Howard acted out his new role of agricultural contrarian most
explosively in a book titled The War in the Soil.

Lord Walter Northbourne

• British agronomist, academic (long time Provost of the agricultural college of

London University), elite athlete (silver medalist in rowing at the 1920
Olympics), translator, and author of books about agriculture and comparative
religion, was the first to use the word "organic" to describe a method of farming.
• In 1940, Northbourne introduced his concept of the ideal “farm as an organic
whole"-- i.e. "having a complex but necessary interrelationship of parts, similar
to that in living things“ in an influential book titled, Look to the Land.
• In Look to the Land, Northbourne wrote that “chemical farming is regulated
mainly according to the combined recommendations of the farm economist,
with his calculating machines and ledgers, and the chemist”
• He warned that farming should not be “treated as a mixture of chemistry and
cost accountancy, nor can it be pulled into conformity with the requirements of
modern business, in which speed, cheapness, and standardizing count most.
Nature will not be driven. If you try, she hits back slowly, but very
hard”

• In the early 1920s, Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian philosopher, gave

a series of lectures on the “Spiritual Foundations for the Renewal of
Agriculture” which inspired the development of Biodynamic
agriculture.
• Biodynamic farming has much in common with other organic
approaches, such as emphasizing the production and use of Rudolph
Steiner compost and excluding of the use of (1861-1925) synthetic
inputs.
• Methods unique to Biodynamics include the use of fermented herbal
and mineral preparations as compost additives and field sprays and
the use of an astrological planting calendar.
AGRI104-INTRODUCTION TO ORGANIC AGRICULTURE

• Lady Eve Balfour (1899-1990) is

best known as the founder of The Soil
Association, Britain's leading organic food
and farming organization. The Soil
Association was born in 1946, following
publication of Lady Eve Balfour's bestselling
book about organic agriculture, “The Living
Soil” (Faber & Faber 1943).
• In 1939, influenced by Sir Albert
Howard's work, Lady Eve Balfour launched
the Haughley Experiment on her farm in Suffolk, England. It was the first
scientific, side-by-side comparison of organic and conventional farming and
was maintained for 33 years. Four years later, she published The Living Soil,
based on the initial findings of the Haughley Experiment. Widely read, it led to
the formation of a key international organic advocacy group, the Soil
Association.
• The Haughley Experiment Three side-by-side units of land were established,
each large enough to operate a full farm rotation, so that the food-chains
involved — soil–plant– animal and back to the soil — could be studied as they
functioned through successive rotational cycles, involving many generations of
plants and animals, in order that interdependences between soil, plant and
animal, and also any cumulative effects could develop.
• One unit was a stockless arable farm — the other two were both ley farms (ley
= temporary pasture alternating with arable crops) operating the same rotation.
Each carried a herd of dairy cows, a flock of poultry and a small flock of sheep.
All livestock was fed exclusively on the produce of its own unit, replacements
were home bred and cereal and pulse crops raised from home-grown seed. All
wastes of crops and stock were returned only to its own unit. Only livestock
products and surplus animals were sold off the farm. All crops were fed to the
animals.
• On one of the ley units called the Mixed Section supplementary chemical
fertilizers were used, as well as herbicides, insecticides and fungicides when
deemed necessary.
• On the other ley unit, called the Organic Section, no chemicals were used. It was
thus entirely dependent on its own biological fertility. As nearly as possible, a
closed cycle was maintained (except for the sale of animal products).
• Ecology of Earthworms under the ‘Haughley Experiment’ of Organic and
Conventional Management Regimes - R. J. Blakemore
• Significant differences in earthworm populations and soil properties were
found in three sections of a farm at Haughley in Suffolk that, since 1939, had
either an organic, a mixed conventional, or a stockless intensive arable regime.
Compared with the mean earthworm population of a 1,000 year old permanent
pasture of 424.0/m2; an organic field had 178.6/m2; a mixed field 97.5/m2;
and a stockless field 100.0/m2.
• Soil analyses showed the organic soil had higher moisture, organic C, and
mineral N, P, K, and S compared with soil from the stockless field. The organic
soil also had lower bulk density and good crumb structure whereas the stockless
AGRI104-INTRODUCTION TO ORGANIC AGRICULTURE

soil was cloddy and subject to puddling. The properties of the mixed field soil
were intermediate to the others.
• Choice chambers offering the three field soils, with and without organic
amendments, showed an earthworm preference for the organic soil (total 96
worms) compared to the mixed and stockless soils (75 and 73 worms).

• In the early 1940s, Dr. Fukuoka quit his job as a

soil microbiologist, returned to his family's farm in
southern Japan, and devoted the next 60 years to
developing natural no- Masanobu Fukuoka till
methods of growing citrus, (1913 – 2008) rice and
other crops. Americans became familiar with Fukuoka
through articles in Rodale publications and his book
“The One-Straw Revolution”

Jerome Irving Rodale

• During the 1950s, sustainable agriculture was a

topic of scientific interest, but research tended to
concentrate on developing the new chemical
approaches. In the US, J.I. Rodale began to popularize the term and methods
of organic growing, particularly to consumers through promotion of organic
gardening.
• In 1962, Rachel Carson, a prominent scientist and naturalist, published Silent
Spring, chronicling the effects of DDT and other pesticides on the environment.
A bestseller in many countries, including the US, and widely read around the
world, Silent Spring is widely considered as being a key factor in the US
government's 1972 banning of DDT. The book and its author are often credited
with launching the worldwide environmental movement.
• In the 1970s, global movements concerned with pollution and the environment
increased their focus on organic farming. As the distinction between organic
and conventional food became clearer, one goal of the organic movement was
to encourage consumption of locally grown food, which was promoted through
slogans like "Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food".
• In 1972, the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements
(IFOAM) was founded in Versailles, France and dedicated to the diffusion and
exchange of information on the principles and practices of organic agriculture
of all schools and across national and linguistic boundaries.
• In the 1980s, around the world, farming and consumer groups began seriously
pressuring for government regulation of organic production. This led to
legislation and certification standards being enacted through the1990s and to
date.
AGRI104-INTRODUCTION TO ORGANIC AGRICULTURE

LESSON 1: Historical Trends in the Development of Organic Agriculture

in the Philippines

Definition of Organic Agriculture:

• Organic agriculture relies on ecological processes, biodiversity, and local

cycles adapted to local conditions, avoiding adverse effects from synthetic
inputs (IFOAM).

Historical Overview:

1. Pre-World War II: (1918-1939)

o Natural farming was prevalent in the Philippines.
o Emphasis on traditional and sustainable agricultural practices.
2. Post-World War II: (1939 to 1945)
o Conventional farming gained popularity after WWII.
o Government-sponsored distribution of high-yielding crop varieties
dependent on imported synthetic agricultural inputs.
3. Global Resurgence:
o Awareness of adverse effects of chemicals on the environment and
health.
o Resurgence of natural farming, including organic agriculture, globally
and in the Philippines.

Enactment of Organic Agriculture Act:

• Executive Order No. 481 (2005):

o First legal instrument addressing organic agriculture in the Philippines.
• Republic Act 10068 (2010):
o Institutionalized organic agriculture.
o Created the National Organic Agriculture Program to promote,
propagate, and develop organic agriculture.
• Republic Act 11511 (2020):
o Amended RA 10068, introduced Participatory Guarantee System
(PGS).
o Established National Organic Agriculture Program-National Program
Coordinating Office (NOAP-NPCO) and National Organic Agriculture
Board (NOAB).
• Department of Budget and Management Approval (September
2021):
o Creation of divisions in NOAP-NPCO.
• Presidential Approval (March 2023):
o Creation of the position of the National Organic Agriculture Program
Coordinator; Bernadette F. San Juan, CESO II, is the current holder.

Certification and Challenges:

• Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS):

AGRI104-INTRODUCTION TO ORGANIC AGRICULTURE

o Maintains a registry of certified organic farms.

o Limited total area with active certification (1,073.66 hectares as of
September 2023).
o Cumulative certified area since 2011: Over 7,000 hectares (Table 1).

Table 1. 7,000 hectares Cumulative area that has been certified since 2011.

YEAR AREA (hectares) Number of Farm

2011 63.39 3
2012 97 5
2013 180 6
2014 380.45 8
2015 1808.83 5
2016 2095.57 17
2017 98.06 26
2018 579.82 17
2019 635.03 32
2020 192.48 16
2021 41.16 8
2022 – 3rd
839.01 30
party
2022 – PGS 42.8 50
2023 – 3rd
125.36 17
party
2023 – PGS 99.2 102
TOTAL 7,278.16 342

• Challenges:
o Non-renewal of certification due to tedious and costly third-party
certification.
o Introduction of PGS as an alternative certification system.

Participatory Guarantee System (PGS):

• Accreditation Process:
o Core PGS group requires five (5) farmer members.
o Certification under BAFS to ensure compliance with Philippine National
Standards for Organic Agriculture.
• Achievements:
o Twelve (12) PGS groups granted accreditation (see Table 2).
o Region VIII has the most PGS-OCBs and the widest area of PGS certified
organic farms.
AGRI104-INTRODUCTION TO ORGANIC AGRICULTURE

Table 2. Twelve (12) PGS groups have been granted accreditation

Region Name of PGS-OCB Farm

# Size (in
ha)
Tublay Organic Farming Practitioners
1 CAR 3.554
Agriculture Cooperative (TOFPA-COOP)
One Samar Agro-Organic Practitioners Inc.
2 VIII 6.1
(ONE-SAOP)
3 II Kayapa PGS Group (KPGSG) 0.4123
Samahan ng Organikong Industriya ng Laguna
4 IV-A 3.37
(SOIL) Agriculture Cooperative
Aklan Provincial Organic Producers Association
5 VI 3.87
(APOPA)
Organic Farmer-Practitioners Association of
6 VII 3.89
Bayawan City (OFPRAB)
Son of the Living God United Multi-Sectoral
7 VIII 0.63
Farmers Association (SOULS-FA)
8 VIII Catubig Organic Farmers Association (COFA) 10.39
Participatory Guarantee System Tatak Organik
9 X 10.69
Kauswagan Farmers Association (PGS TOKFA)
Organic Participatory Guarantee System of La
10 CAR 0.52
Trinidad (OPGSLT)
11 I PGS Pangasinan Philippines Inc. (PPPI) 11.19
Pecuaria Development
12 V 3.58
Cooperative (PDC)
TOTAL 58.19
AGRI104-INTRODUCTION TO ORGANIC AGRICULTURE

LESSON 2: The Organic Agriculture Act

Republic Act No. 10068 - Organic Agriculture Act of 2010

Introduction:

• The Republic Act No. 10068, also known as the "Organic Agriculture Act of
2010," was enacted by the Philippine Congress to promote, develop, and
implement organic agriculture practices in the country.

Key Provisions:

Section 1: Title

• The Act is officially known as the "Organic Agriculture Act of 2010."

Section 2: Declaration of Policy

• The State declares its policy to promote, develop, and implement organic
agriculture practices. Objectives Include enhancing soil fertility, increasing
farm productivity, reducing environmental pollution, preventing resource
depletion, protecting health, and saving on imported farm inputs.

Section 3: Definition of Terms

• Provides definitions for key terms such as "organic," "organic agriculture,"

"organic production system," and others.

Section 4: Coverage

• Outlines the scope of the Act, including policy formulation, research,

development, and extension of organic agriculture, and the implementation of
organic agricultural programs.

Section 5: National Organic Agricultural Program

• Establishes a comprehensive organic agricultural program for the promotion

and commercialization of organic farming practices.

Section 6: National Organic Agricultural Board (NOAB)

• Creates the NOAB as the policy-making body attached to the Department of

Agriculture, ensuring participation of stakeholders through coordination
mechanisms.

Section 7: Composition of the NOAB

• Lists the members of the NOAB, including government officials,

representatives from small farmers, NGOs, and other stakeholders.
AGRI104-INTRODUCTION TO ORGANIC AGRICULTURE

Section 8: Organization of the NOAB

• Outlines the process of organizing the NOAB, including the appointment of

members and the establishment of rules and procedures.

Section 9: Powers and Functions of NOAB

• Specifies the powers and functions of the NOAB, including formulating policies,
overseeing program implementation, and submitting reports to relevant
authorities.

Section 10: Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Product Standards

(BAFPS)

• Strengthens and empowers the BAFPS as the national technical and

administrative secretariat of the NOAB.

Section 11: Functions, Duties, and Responsibilities of the BAFPS

• Details additional functions of the BAFPS in implementing the Act.

Section 12: Work Plan

• Requires the submission of a work plan by the BAFPS, including strategies for
grassroots implementation, cooperation with LGUs, and target setting.

Section 13: Organic Agriculture and Protection of the Environment

• Mandates the NOAB and BAFPS to address industrial waste and community
garbage issues through appropriate methods, promoting the use of organic
fertilizers.

Sections 14-19: Local Executive Committees, Accreditation, Registration,

Labeling, Retailing, and Trading Post

• Specifies roles and procedures related to local executive committees,

accreditation of certifying bodies, registration of organic establishments,
labeling, retailing, and the establishment of trading posts.

Sections 20-23: Research, Development, and Extension

• Focus on the coordination of research, development, and extension activities,

the creation of an organic agriculture RDE network, and the organization of
RDE centers.

Section 24: Incentives

• Outlines government incentives for organic farm input producers and farmers,
including tax exemptions, subsidies, and preferential rates.
AGRI104-INTRODUCTION TO ORGANIC AGRICULTURE

Section 25: Appropriations

• Allocates an initial budget of Fifty million pesos (Php50,000,000.00) for the

first year of implementation, with subsequent funding included in the annual
General Appropriation Act.

Section 26: Penal Provision

• Defines penalties for offenses related to obstructing organic agriculture

development, refusing support, and mislabeling products.

Sections 27-28: Implementing Rules and Regulations, Annual Report

• Mandates the NOAB to draft and submit implementing rules and regulations
and an annual report to Congress.

Section 29: Congressional Oversight Committee

• Establishes the COCAFM as the congressional oversight committee,

responsible for reviewing and approving the Act's implementation and
conducting periodic reviews.

The Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 is a comprehensive framework aimed at

advancing organic farming in the Philippines, emphasizing sustainable practices,
environmental protection, and the overall well-being of farmers and consumers.

Reference
[Link]
AGRI104-INTRODUCTION TO ORGANIC AGRICULTURE

LESSON 3: Issues and Concern in Organic Agriculture

Challenges in Philippine Organic Agriculture:

1. Climate Vulnerability:
o Issue: Organic farms are susceptible to damage from strong typhoons
and calamities.
o Impact: Destruction of crops poses a significant threat to organic
farming.
2. Infrastructure Gaps:
o Issue: Absence of supporting infrastructure hampers the growth of
organic agriculture.
o Challenge: Lack of necessary facilities impedes efficient organic
farming practices.
3. Selective Government Assistance:
o Issue: Inconsistent support from the government impedes the
widespread adoption of organic farming.
o Challenge: Organic farmers may face obstacles due to limited
assistance.
4. Cyclical Nature of Farming:
o Issue: The cyclical nature of farming poses challenges for organic
farmers.
o Difficulty: Long working periods and waiting times may affect the
sustainability of organic practices.

Potential Solutions and Opportunities:

1. Economic Viability:
o Opportunity: Organic agriculture provides an economically viable
alternative.
o Potential: Can contribute to the rehabilitation of degraded arable land
and foster economic growth.
2. Farmer Empowerment:
o Approach: Farmers broaden their knowledge through training and
seminars.
o Strategy: Self-reliance and financial support from financiers enhance
organic farming practices.
3. Certification Systems:
o Initiative: Formulation of area-based organic food certification
systems.
o Impact: Facilitates farmers' access to domestic and international
organic food markets.
4. Government-Farmers Partnership:
o Advocacy: Establishment of a partnership between the government
and farmers.
o Benefit: Strengthens support mechanisms, fostering a conducive
environment for organic farming.

Factors Influencing Organic Farming Growth:

AGRI104-INTRODUCTION TO ORGANIC AGRICULTURE

1. Social Factors:
o Influence: Growing awareness and interest in organic practices among
the public.
2. Organizational Factors:
o Impact: Farmer organizations and cooperatives play a vital role in
promoting organic farming.
3. Institutional Factors:
o Role: Government institutions contribute to the development of
policies supporting organic agriculture.
4. Policy Developments:
o Effect: Positive policy changes contribute to the growth of organic
farming in the Philippines.

Reference

Amabella, Grace, N., Siaton., J., A., O., Ferrater-Gimena,., Erik, T., Legaspi., Marvin,
S., Naraja. (2023). The underlying concerns defying organic farmers in the
philippines. International Journal of Research in Commerce and Management
Studies, doi: 10.38193/ijrcms.2023.5105

Bao, Maohong. (2018). The Rise of Organic Agriculture in the Philippines and its
Development. doi: 10.1007/978-981-10-8881-0_9

Maria, Pia, M., Sison. (2023). Recommendations towards sustainable farming

method for an organic vegetable production in bukidnon, philippines. Agricultural
Socio-Economics Journal, doi: 10.21776/[Link].2023.023.2.1

Susanita, G., Lumbo., JM, Salamanca. (2023). Constraints to sustained adoption of

organic farming and ramifications to community development in Occidental
Mindoro, Philippines. IOP conference series, doi: 10.1088/1755-
1315/1145/1/012003

Karen, Debbie, Jabenar, Cosrojas., Sheila, C., Poonon., Dante, Q., Suminguit. (2022).
Chokepoints in sustaining organic rice production in northern mindanao,
philippines. Agricultural Socio-Economics Journal, doi:
10.21776/[Link].2022.022.4.8
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