“Exploring The Potential of Organic Farming for Sustainable Crop Production of Farmers In Sulu”

“Exploring The Potential of Organic Farming for Sustainable Crop Production of Farmers In Sulu”

Isahac, Jack Ryan A.

Sulu State College, Jolo, Sulu, Philippines

DOI: https://doi.org/10.51584/IJRIAS.2024.909010

Received: 04 July 2024; Revised: 10 July 2024; Accepted: 15 July 2024; Published: 03 October 2024

ABSTRACT

This study’s primary goal was to evaluate Sulu’s organic farming practices. Province: as seen by Farmers. It specifically aimed to respond to the following questions: 1. What is the composition of the demographic. What is the age and gender distribution of the Sulu State College of Agriculture student respondents in Sulu Province? 2. What are the financial and social advantages of organic farming for the farmers, as viewed by Sulu State College of Agriculture students who responded in Province of Sulu? 3. According to Sulu State College of Agriculture students who responded, what are the challenges associated with organic farming in Sulu Province? and 4. Do Sulu students think differently in any major way? When are the responses from the State College of Agriculture in Sulu Province grouped based on the age and gender profiles? The utilized research design was in character, inquisitive and descriptive. Purposive random sampling was used to choose 100 one hundred farmers’ responders were selected at random from each grade level, totalling (100). Delegates for each Municipal. The results show that: 1.Farmer Respondents’ Demographic Profile at Mainland Municipality in Sulu Province: The age distribution of the respondents indicates that they are nearly equally spread across the various age groups. Male respondents make up 75% of the sample, while female respondents make up 25%. 2. Regarding the Socio-Economic Advantages of Organic Agriculture for Farmers, as Judged by Sulu Farmers Respondents . Sulu Province’s mainland Farmers who responded Organic farming was viewed by the Sulu Province Municipal as Farmers benefit from the market, economy, health, and environment. 3. Upon Issues with Organic Farming as Observed by Researcher in Sulu Province: The Farmer-Respondents from Sulu Province’s Farmers’ believed that many. Farmers who practice organic farming will run across difficulties. Minimal Compared to other issues that the farmers faced, the volume of output was seen as less of a concern. and 4. Regarding the Notable Disparity in the Views of When Sulu State College of Agriculture students in Sulu Province respond, Sorted by gender and age, it was discovered that there is a substantial disparity in the opinions held by Sulu State College of Agriculture students province when age and gender categories are applied to their responses. Regardless of age, more male students than female students enroll in agriculture courses, according to the aforementioned results. Farmers are thought to benefit from organic farming in terms of the market, economy, health, and environment. In terms of agricultural techniques, organic farming is essentially novel. Infancy is a time when challenges are expected.

These issues can be handled in due course, which will help individuals who engage in organic farming going forward. When respondents’ comments are divided into age and gender categories, differences in how Sulu State College of Agriculture is perceived in the province of Sulu are expected. The advantages of organic farming were viewed differently by male and female agricultural students. Age disparities frequently result in divergent opinions about organic farming. Lastly, in light of the conclusions shared, it is advised that: 1. The anticipated financial advantages of organic farming with respect to the environment, health, market, and economy ought to be maintained via with assistance from farmers’ cooperatives, other government organizations, the Department of Agriculture, and the local government. 2. To learn how to be effective organic farmers, farmers who are willing to practice organic farming should participate in seminars and training led by the Department of Agriculture. Farmers can market their produce to potential customers with the assistance of the Department of Trade and Industry.

INTRODUCTION

The main source of human needs throughout history has been agriculture. It is the secret that made civilization flourish. It has had a significant impact on people’s lives. Synthetic agricultural materials are utilized only to give enough output and to produce more cash. Over time, changes and developments have been done to increase the proficiency of production. But these have been harming not just human health but also the ecosystem. As a result, the community has encouraged organic farming.

The 1930s and 1940s saw the rise of organic farming as a response to agriculture’s increasing reliance on synthetic fertilizers. These artificial fertilizers were inexpensive, effective, and simple to ship in large quantities. Because of comparable developments in chemical pesticides throughout the 1940s, the decade was known as the “Pesticide Era.”

Since its inception, organic farming has stayed quite small. The movement, which was first driven by supply, shifted to demand as public concern and understanding of environmental issues grew. A large number of farmers were drawn to convert by premium pricing from customers and, occasionally, government incentives.

Many farmers in underdeveloped nations practice traditional farming practices, which are similar to organic farming but lack certification. In other instances, farmers in poor nations have converted out of need. Although organic output is still relatively small in relation to overall agricultural production worldwide, it has been expanding quickly in several countries (Encyclopedia Wikipedia, 2007).

The field of organic farming is still in need of practitioners. Numerous Farmers continue to do things the same way they have for many years. Some people fear taking the danger of converting to organic agriculture. Customers are in a same scenario. Due to the high expense of organically farmed goods, consumers do not purchase them. It costs a little more than those made using synthetic materials. Under the direction of Dean Ahiron Majan, the Sulu State College of Agriculture conducted an organic agriculture experiment with its student body in Sulu. To increase awareness and deepen their understanding of the significance and advantages of organic farming, particularly as it relates to the Sulu community as a whole. The goal of the aforementioned activity is to learn more about organic farming practices in terms of marketing, technology, and standardization. In order to establish a common knowledge of organic farming and standardized practices, they are working on the standardization project. Practice and methods, as stated by the Dean of the School of Agriculture, Dr. Ahiron Majan. He is in charge of organizing the farmers produce event and carrying out their organic agriculture initiatives. In light of these circumstances, the purpose of this study was to ascertain how Sulu State College School of Agriculture students felt about organic farming in the province.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

In line with the research problem that was briefly addressed in the preceding section, the purpose of this study was to offer relevant responses to the following questions:

1. What is the farmers responders’ demographic profile? Age and gender distribution in Mainland Sulu Province’s Farmers ?
2. According to researcher that participated in the survey, what are the socioeconomic advantages of organic farming for farmers in Sulu Province?
3. What issues arise when one practices organic farming, such as viewed by farmers in Sulu that responded to the survey State?
4. Does the way Sulu farmers perceive things differ significantly from one another? Sulu Province’s Farmers, when their answers are classified based on the age and    gender information in the profile?

Objectives of the Study

The purpose of this study was to find out how Sulu State College of Agriculture students in Sulu Province felt about organic farming. It was especially intended to:

1. Find out the Farmers responders’ demographic profile. Age and gender distribution at Sulu Province’s Farmers;
2. Determine the farmers’ socioeconomic gains from organic farming, such as respondents who were Farmers in Province of Sulu;
3. As assessed by the farmers’, ascertain the challenges associated with organic farming practices; and
4. Examine whether there are any notable variations in how farmers perceive
   farmers in the province of Sulu when their In terms of profile categorization, responses are

Hypothesis

Farmers perceptions in Sulu State do not differ significantly. Sulu Province’s Farmers, when their answers are classified based on the profile, regarding both gender and age.

Theoretical Framework

The foundation of this work was Friedrich Nietzsche’s theory of causality, which highlights the possibility of understanding causal links as a transfer of force. If A is the cause of B, then A has to send a force, or causal power, to B in order for there to be an effect. Cause and effect linkages imply changes throughout time. Are connected chronologically, with the cause coming before the result. Another, less common definition of causality is the inference of causality in the absence of a force. Removal (or ceasing), such as taking away a support from a structure, resulting in a collapse, or insufficient precipitation, leading to withered vegetation.

Conceptual Framework

Two research variables—independent and dependent variables—are taken into account in this study’s conceptual framework. The respondents’ perceptions about Farming in Sulu Province fall under the independent factors, and the dependent variable is organic farming. We’ll examine how this conceptual framework connects to reality and looked into for both academic and practical reasons.

Figure I: The Conceptual Model of the Study

Significance of the Study

The following organizations stand to gain from this research:

1. This study will serve as a basis for farmers’ decisions about whether to practice organic farming. They can use this to assess the socioeconomic benefits of organic farming.
2. When they hear, they can gain some context about what other people are considering in relation to organic farming.
3. The farmers believe that the results of this study will increase their awareness of the benefits of organic farming and eventually open the door for a more knowledgeable public in Sulu about organic farming.
4. Additionally, this research will serve as a foundation or a source for the carry out additional research on organic farming.

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

The perspectives of Researcher regarding organic farming in Sulu Province were the main subject of the study. In addition, it contained information on the respondents’ age and gender as well as their demographic profile, the advantages of organic farming, and the difficulties they face. During the year of 2023–2024, the study was carried out by researcher in Sulu Province. Only Farmers who participated in the organic farming project for at least 2 years were eligible to answer.

Definition of Terms

The definitions of the following terminology are based on their operational usage in this research: The term “organic agriculture” is the old one that farmers used to encapsulate the varied agricultural approach that shunned artificial chemical inputs (Briones, 1997). The term “organic farming” describes the synthesis of natural ecological principles with the science of resource conservation and productivity enhancement without the use of contaminants made of chemicals (Domingo and Javier, 2000). The farmer respondents are referred to by researcher. Who carried out an experiment in organic farming to ascertain its significance for the province of Sulu farmers. Sulu Province is one of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region’s five principal provinces. Muslim Mindanao region (BARMM).

RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

The several connected studies and scholarly works that are closely related to this study are presented in this chapter. Researchers can greatly benefit from the diverse thoughts, viewpoints, and opinions of authors regarding the various stages of evaluation while analyzing problems.

Worldwide:

Four farming systems in Bangladesh and Japan have been identified by the Food Agriculture Office as globally significant agricultural Systems of Heritage (GIAHS). To strengthen the nation’s agricultural industry, Grow Asia and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries in Cambodia have partnered. However, the Sabah Forestry Department in Malaysia has consented to conduct a trial using the recently published High Carbon Stock (HCS+) approach, which aids in determining the carbon stock in plantations that produce palm oil. The rubber growers in Thailand, who have been impacted by the decline in rubber prices worldwide, have been granted a US$139 million loan. Along with a significant railway contract, Thailand has also negotiated agreements with China to supply rice and rubber. In addition to two other businesses, the US$140 billion combination between DuPont and Dow Chemical Company will create a sizable enterprise focused on agriculture.

Description

Farmers have historically used the phrase “organic agriculture” to summarize the varied agricultural approach that shunned artificial chemical inputs (Briones, 1997). A lot of farmers are unaware of what organic farming actually entails. Some claim that using organic manure is the cause. Although it may be a component of organic farming, that is not its true nature. According to Domingo and Javier (2000), organic farming combines natural ecological principles with the science of resource conservation and productivity enhancement without the use of chemical pollutants. Appropriate crop rotations, green maturing, farm manure recycling, and other environmentally friendly methods of increasing soil fertility and productivity are essential to organic farming. Even using non-chemical means to control pests is insufficient. By using the scientific method, it aims to consciously conserve and improve the quality of the land, water, air, and genetic resources (Domingo and Javier, 2000). Sustainable agriculture is identical with organic farming. They are both encouraging crops to be self-sufficient and to have food security (Rola, 2000).

Growers of Organic Products

The world has seen firsthand how effective organic farmers’ farming methods are. Benefits from alternative farming practices. It offers high-quality items at competitive prices (Domingo and Javier, 2000). Domingo and Javier underlined the ecological services that organic farmers offer to society. These farmers want to preserve and improve the quality of the soil. The only people who truly appreciate the earth are them. They understood that in the absence of soil, a farmer was That is the reason why they had chosen to be organic producers. They are seen providers of ecological services to society and their movement is recognized as grassroots movement.

Significance of Organic Farming in the Environment

There are many benefits to the environment that are derived from practicing Organic Farming. Its effect can be chronic or immediate. Scientific evidences show that even low levels of exposure to pesticides can cause serious immune and metabolic disorders, neurologic defects, reproductive anomalies, cancer and other chronic diseases in animals and in humans (Quijano, 2000). Organic Farming causes less pesticide contamination in food, people and the environment.

Organic Farming Goes Global

The organic farming sector has historically advocated for environmental global renewal. As a supplier of environmental services, customers support the sector. Concerns over the environment and food quality grow. Farmers were able to experiment with organic farming as a result. According to Dodd (1995), the European government allocated a substantial budget to support research and development programs aimed at increasing the productivity of organic farmers by 40%. Organic farming nearly became a farmer’s movement in the United States. Despite receiving little assistance from R&D, customers buy their items. Asia had previously dominated the export of goods from organic farming in the globe. Certain Asian nations are regarded as suppliers of organic raw resources. The Organic Food Development Center (OFDC) in China, as well as ten processors and farmers with organic certification. The majority of their organic farms are located in isolated regions without the usage of agrochemicals. Among the farms that were forced to be reduced to the bare minimum of agricultural chemical inputs. Few farms in close proximity to cities received certification (Domingo and Javier, 2000). Korea has a natural Association of Farmers (KOFA). The purpose of this association is to advance organic agriculture research and development (Jung, 1997). Beyond just farming, organic farmers must adhere to organic values in order to achieve financial success. Understanding how to sell their own produce is also crucial. They need to be capable of handling the processing and marketing of these organic goods. While some celebrities may engage in direct sales to fans, others may employ intermediary channels, while others might employ a mix of techniques. While some may want to process the goods, others may chose to sell their raw production. By themselves. Additionally, the farmer should be aware that he or she will need to conclude talks with other participants in the established market and that they will have greater negotiating leverage with strong suppliers, purchasers, or dealers. Throughout, it’s crucial to remember that in order for success to repeat itself under other conditions, it must be examined as a failure (Newton, 2004). Big-box retailers, food processors, and manufacturers have all gotten into the organic industry. In addition to offering fresh channels and distribution networks and favorable exposure, these sources also introduce fresh competition by creating and promoting their line of organic products. In the US, there are now organic supermarkets that carry natural health and specialty items in addition to organic goods. Farm products that are organic are priced fairly. According to Dimitrie and Green (2002), organic infant food, milk, and veggies were all expensive in the USA. Organic producers are faced with issues related to marketing, including product pricing, marketing costs, and market availability, as well as production, including inputs, yield, and overall production. Focus was placed on the production issues faced by farmers, and studies on soil, pests, and diseases were conducted. Importance-related concerns have gained prominence in the global trade of organic products (Wynen, 2002).

Problems in Organic Farming

Numerous organic producers face social, economic, and technical challenges. The preservation of soil fertility and the avoidance of pest assaults. A further issue that arises is the ignorance of certain farmers. Concerning organic inputs or management techniques. Due to additional handling and transportation costs, some inputs could be more expensive (Wynen, 1992). Considering that organic farming is a complicated process with many steps to follow, more labor is also required. If a farmer has converted from conventional to organic farming, they may need more funding. He needs to rearrange his stores, agricultural plan, etc. Another issue facing some organic producers is getting customers to buy their products. Cooke claims that because organic products cost more than conventional agricultural products, customers find it difficult to make the decision to purchase them. Some farmers report lower yields in the output section due to issues with nutrition and pest management. The many issues or limitations faced by organic farmers in developing nations are summarized in the table below (Twarog and Vossenar, 2002).

Some of the limitations that are now present in creating

Regarding organic farming, these include labor-intensiveness, conversion, and a shortage of organic production inputs like composting, biopesticides, and fertilizers. They also include a lack of technical know-how because there aren’t enough agricultural professionals in the field. reduced yields of the method, which could be a bigger barrier than in developed nations; issues with roads and storage facilities; a lack of market knowledge and channels; a lack of acceptance by current standards and certification; or the requirement to import certification expertise in order to export.

Organic farming: The future of Philippine Agriculture In the Philippines, interest in organic farming is growing quickly along with the movement towards a healthy lifestyle.

Actually, the Department of Agriculture has been ordered by the government to dedicate at least PHP1 billion (US$23.70 million) to the promotion of organic agriculture initiatives in the nation this year. Organic agriculture, according to President Benigno Aquino II, is the way of the future for addressing hunger as well as sustaining environmental and health conditions.

The local organic group, the Organic Producers Trade Association (OPTA), claims that high-yielding agricultural produce, or the so-called “green revolution crops,” developed in the province of Los Banos, one of the nation’s major agricultural research hubs, are increasingly dangerous for human health. They have been linked to brain damage, especially impaired intellect in people in poor or

According to OPTA, these crops that are produced under modern agriculture techniques that use large doses of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers are decreasing brain size, thus slowing down one’s intelligence capabilities. OPTA also tells that international studies have likewise shown that chemical-infused crops have resulted in cancer, hormone disruption, neurological disorders and other life-threatening illnesses. As chemical farming destroys the environment, OPTA says beneficial micronutrients in the soil that are needed by a human body are also killed such as calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, selenium, manganese and many others. The absence of these essential health elements in the planting grounds may cause malnutrition as the soil can no longer produce foods that are adequately supplied with important nutrients.

However, OPTA also shows that aquaculture and cattle raised in chemical-industrial animal husbandry systems pose serious health risks. In order to force these animals to develop quickly and withstand pathogenic bacteria, synthetic vitamins, minerals, growth hormones, and antibiotics are fed to them and injected into them. The European Union was forced to outlaw the use of growth hormones and antibiotics in livestock due to the demonstrable seriousness of the harm posed by these chemicals. The Philippines is preparing to switch to organic farming through Republic Act 10068, which aims to strengthen the state’s policy to promote, propagate, develop further, and implement the practice of organic agriculture—even though the country hasn’t gone so far as to completely ban the use of synthetic chemicals in animal farming. By enacting legislation, farmers want to improve soil fertility over time, boost agricultural output, lessen pollution and environmental damage, and keep natural resources from being depleted. resources and safeguard the public’s and farmers’ health. Additionally, the country may sell organically cultivated goods on the international market, which would otherwise cost between US$40 billion and US$70 billion.

Organic processes’ “birth pains” Despite all the fantastic benefits, experts claim the nearby farming

community has not yet fully embraced organic farming. Its high production costs and labor-intensive production process have deterred farmers from switching to organic farming. There is little financial incentive for farmers to switch to organic farming, even though the use of chemical inputs in farming ensures certain yields.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala claims that although organic food products are becoming more popular in developed nations, the Filipino public has not yet adopted them due to a number of reasons, including cost—organic food is more expensive than that produced with commercial fertilizers that are chemically formulated. The sole rout Republic of the Philippines

CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES

Metro Manila

Fourteenth Congress

Third Regular Session

Begun and held in Metro Manila, on Monday, the twenty-seventh day of July, two thousand nine.

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10068

AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION OF ORGANIC AGRICULTURE IN THE PHILIPPINES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1 Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Organic Agriculture Act of 2010”.

Section 2 Declaration of Policy. – It is hereby declared 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 farmers, consumers, and the general public, and save on imported farm inputs.

Towards this end, a comprehensive program for the promotion of community-based organic agriculture systems which include, among others, farmer-produced purely organic fertilizers such as compost, pesticides and other farm inputs, together with a nationwide educational and promotional campaign for their use and processing as well as adoption of organic agriculture system as a viable alternative shall be undertaken.

The State recognizes and supports the central role of the farmers, indigenous people and other stakeholders at the grassroots in this program.

Section 3 Definition of Terms. – For purposes of this Act, the following terms shall be defined as follows:

(a) Organic refers to the particular farming and processing system, described in the standards and not in the classical chemical sense. The term “organic” is Synonymous in other languages to “biological” or “ecological”. It is also a labelling term that denotes products considered organic based on the Philippine National Standards for organic agriculture.

(b) Organic agriculture includes all agricultural systems that promote the ecologically sound, socially acceptable, economically viable and technically feasible production of food and fibers. Organic agricultural dramatically reduces external inputs by refraining from the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and pharmaceuticals. It also covers areas such as, but not limited to, soil fertility management, varietal breeding and selection under chemical and pesticide-free conditions, the use of biotechnology and other cultural practices that are consistent with the principles and policies of this Act, and enhance productivity without destroying the soil and harming farmers, consumers and the environment as defined by the International Federation of Organic Agricultural Movement (IFOAM): Provided, That the biotechnology herein to shall not include genetically modified organisms of GMOs.

(c) Organic production system is a system designed to:

(1) enhance biological diversity within the whole system;

(2) increase soil biological activity;

(3) maintain long-term soil fertility;

(4) recycle wastes of plant and animal origin in order to return nutrients to the land, thus minimizing the use of non-renewable resources;

(5) rely on renewable resources in locally organized agricultural system;

(6) promote the healthy use of soil, water and air as well as minimize all forms of pollution thereto that may result from agricultural practices;

(7) develop and promote the use of biotechnology in agriculture;

(8) handle agricultural products with emphasis on careful processing methods in order to maintain the organic integrity and vital qualities of the product at all stages; and

(9) become established on any existing farm through a period of convention, the appropriate length of which is determined by site-specific factors such as the history of the land, and type of crops and livestock to be produced.

(d) Conversion period refers to the time between the start of the organic management and the certification of crops, animal husbandry or a aquaculture products as organic.

(e) Biodegradable wastes refer to organic matter for compost/ organic fertilizer for the organic cultivation, farming of food crops and includes discards segregated farm nonbiodegradable wastes coming from the kitchen/household (leftovers, vegetables and fruit peelings and trims, fish/fowl cleanings, seeds, bones, soft paper used as food wrap and the like), yard or garden (leaves, grasses, weeds and twigs), market (wilted, decayed or rotten vegetables and fruits, fish/fowl cleanings, bones) and farm wastes (grass clippings, dead or decayed plants, leaves, fruits, vegetables, branches, twigs and the like).

(f) Ecologically-sound refers to a state, quality or condition of a product, practice, system, development mode, culture, environment and the like, in accord with the 1987 Philippine Constitution, and as expounded in the above definition of organic agriculture.

(g) Commercialization is process of including a new agricultural and fishery technology either as product, process or service that has undergone the intensive innovative activities of assessment, promotion and transfer for economic benefit.

(h) Certification is the procedure by which official certification bodies or officially recognized certification bodies provide written or equivalent assurance that foods or food control systems conform to requirements.

(i) Accreditation is the procedure by which a government agency having jurisdiction formally recognizes the competence of an inspection and/or certification body to provide inspection and certification services.

(j) First party certification is defined as when the certification criteria and rules are set and monitor/enforced by the producer or company itself.

(k) Second party certification is defined as when the certification criteria and rules are set by buyers or industry organizations.

(l) Third party certification or independent certification is defined as when the firm requires that its supplies meet a certain standard and requests an independent organization that is not involved in the business relationship to control the compliance of the suppliers.

(m) Organic food establishment refers to an entity, whether local or foreign, that produces inputs acceptable for organic agriculture.

Section 4 Coverage. – The provisions of this Act shall apply to the development and promotion of organic agriculture and shall include, but not limited to, the following:

(a) Policy formulation on regulation, registration, accreditation, certification and labeling on organic agriculture;

(b) Research, development and extension of appropriate, sustainable environment and gender-friendly organic agriculture;

(c) Promotion and encouragement of the establishment of facilities, equipment and processing plants that would accelerate the production and commercialization of organic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and other commercialization of organic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and other appropriate farm inputs; and

(d) Implementation of organic agricultural programs, projects and activities, including the provision and delivery of support services with focus on the farmers and other stakeholders.

Section 5 National Organic Agricultural Program. – There is hereby established a comprehensive organic agricultural program through the promotion and commercialization of organic farming practices, cultivation and adoption of production and processing methods which have already been developed, or to be developed, continuing research and upgrading thereof, the capacity building of farmers and the education of consumers thereon, the extension of assistance to local government units (LGU’s), peoples’ organizations (POs), nongovernment organizations (NGOs) and other stakeholders including individuals and groups who are practicing and promoting these methods as well as those who are willing to do other pertinent activities, and documentation and evaluation of the program.

Section 6 National Organic Agricultural Board (NOAB). – To carry out the policy and the program provided in this Act, there is hereby created a NOAB which shall be the policy-making body and shall provide direction and general guidelines for the implementation of the National Organic Agricultural Program. The NOAB shall be attached to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

The NOAB shall ensure the full participation of POs, NGOs and the general public through coordination and consultative mechanisms such as, but not limited to, public hearings, meetings and joint projects.

Section 7 Composition of the NOAB. – The NOAB shall consist of:

(a) The Secretary of Agriculture, or his duly authorized permanent representative, with a rank of Undersecretary, as Chairperson;

(b) The Secretary of the Interior and Local Government, or his duly authorized permanent representative, as Vice Chair;

(c) The Secretary of Science and Technology, or his duly authorized permanent representative;

(d) The Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, or his duly authorized permanent representative;

(e) The Secretary of Education, or his duly authorized permanent representative;

(f) The Secretary of Agrarian Reform, or his duly authorized permanent representative;

(g) The Secretary of Trade and Industry, or his duly authorized permanent representative;

(h) The Secretary of Health, or his duly authorized permanent representative;

(i) Thee (3) representatives from the small farmers; and

(j) A representative each from the NGOs involved in sustainable agriculture for at least three (3) years; agricultural colleges and universities; and private sector or agribusiness firms; as members.

The designated aforementioned representatives of the various departments shall be occupying positions not lower than a bureau director level and shall be on a conterminous basis.

The representatives of small farmers and NGOs and of agricultural colleges and universities shall be chosen by the Secretaries of Agriculture and Science and Technology, respectively, from among nominees submitted by their respective national organizations. These representatives must be conversant in organic agriculture and committed to the policies and programs provided under this Act.

The existing National Organic Agriculture Board created pursuant to Executive Order No. 481 shall continue to function until the new NOAB created herein has been constituted pursuant to Section 8 hereof.

Section 8 Organization of the NOAB. – Within sixty (60) working days from the effectivity of this Act, the national organizations of small farmers, of NGOs and of agricultural colleges and universities shall submit their respective nominees to the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Science and Technology, as the case may be, who shall evaluate the qualifications of the nominees and appoint the most members to the NOAB.

The Chairperson shall call the members of the NOAB, or a majority tereof if not all have been designated, to a meeting to organize themselves and prescribe its rules and procedure for the attainment of the objectives of this Act. A majority of all the members of the NOAB shall constitute a quorum.

The NOAB shall also determine its budget, including travel expenses, allowances and per diems of its nongovernment members when attending official NOAB meetings or attending to maters assigned to them subject to accounting and auditing rules and regulations.

Section 9 Powers and Functions of NOAB. – The NOAB shall have the following powers and functions:

(a) Formulate policies, plans, programs and projects to develop and promote organic agriculture, production, processing and trade;

(b) Oversee the successful implementation of the National Organic Agricultural Program;

(c) Identify sources of financing to expand organic agriculture;

(d) Monitor and evaluate the performance of programs for appropriate incentives;

(e) Undertake measures for the international recognition of local certification of organic products;

(f) Call upon any government agency to carry out and implement programs and projects identified by the NOAB;

(g) Call upon private sectors, POs and NGOs and the academe to provide advice on matters pertaining to organic agriculture and conduct of capability-building initiatives to farmers, producers, extension workers, consumers and other stakeholders in agriculture sector in coordination with the Agricultural Training Institute;

(h) Submit annual and other periodic reports to the President, Secretary of the DA and Congress of the Philippines through the Congressional Oversight Committee on Agricultural and Fisheries Modernization (COCAFM);

(i) Promulgated such rules and regulations and exercise such other powers and functions as may be necessary to carry out effectively the purposes and objectives of this Act; and

(i) Perform such functions as may be necessary for its effective operations and for the continued enhancement, growth or development of organic agriculture.

Section 10 The Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Product Standards (BAFPS) of the

D.A. – The BAFPS of the DA shall be strengthened and empowered in terms of establishing functional divisions and incremental staffing to serve as the national technical and administrative secretariat of the NOAB with the member agencies providing additional staff support as the need arises.

Section 11 Functions, Duties and Responsibilities of the BAFPS, in addition to its existing functions and responsibilities shall perform the following functions, duties and responsibilities for purpose of this Act:

(a) Implement organic agriculture programs and projects approved by the NOAB;

(b) Update the NOAB on the status of the programs, projects and activities undertaken for the development and promotion of organic agriculture;

(c) Create effective networking with the various stakeholders involved in organic production; and

(d) Perform such other functions, duties and responsibilities as may be necessary to implement this act and directed by the NOAB.

Section 12 Work Plan. – In line with the national Organic Agricultural Program, the BAFPS shall submit to the Board for approval the following:

(a) A plan of bringing the program down to the grassroots, utilizing available personnel and facilities on the local level and those of LGUs;

(b) A pattern of cooperation and mutual assistance with LGUs, POs and NGOs, which will maximize people empowerment and participatory approaches to program formulation, implementation and monitoring; and

(c) A schedule of short-term, medium-term and long-term targets on research and development, marketing, trade promotion/initiatives, capacity building, among others.

Section 13 Organic Agriculture and Protection of the Environment. – The NOAB shall constantly devise and implement ways and means not only of producing organic fertilizers and other farms inputs and needs on and off the farm but also of helping to alleviate the problems of industrial waste and community garbage through disposal through appropriate methods of sorting, collecting and composting. The BAFPS shall conduct continuing studies, with consultations among the people and officials involved as well as POs and NGOs, in order to advise local governments, from the barangay to the provincial level, on the collection and disposal of garbage and waste in such a way as to provide raw materials for the production of organic fertilizers and other farm inputs.

Section 14 Local Executive Committees. – Every provincial governor shall insofar as practicable, form a provincial technical committe, and which shal, in coordination with and assistance of the BAFPS/DA – Regional Field Units (RFUS) implement activities in line with the National Organic Agricultural Program within each province.

Every municipal mayor shall likewise, insofar as practicable, form a municipal technical committee for purposes of implementing activities in line with the National Organic Agricultural Program within each municipality.

A local government unit that intends to shift its area of responsibility to organic agriculture must ensure that local industries have been adequate informed and consulted and that a viable plan to ensure supply for vulnerable industries is in place.

The governors shall monitor implementation of and compliance with this Act within their respective jurisdictions.

Section 15 Accreditation of Organic Certifying Body. – The BAFPS is hereby designated and authorized to grant official accreditation to organic certifying body or entity. The BAFPS is tasked to formulate the necessary rules and procedures in the accreditation of organic certifying body: Provided, That there shall be atleast one

(1) accredited organic certifying body each in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao or in case of only (4) organic certifying body is accredited, it shal have at least one (1) satellite office or processing unit each in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Section 16 Registration of Organic Food and Organic Input Producers. – All organic food and input establishments must register with the director, BAFPS, registration under this section shall begin within ninety (90) days of the enactment of this Act.

Each such registration shall be submitted to director through an electronic portal and shall contain such information as the director by guidance may determine to be appropriate. Such registration shall contain the following information:

(a) The name, address and emergency contact information of each organic food or input establishment that the registrant owns or operates;

(b) The primary purpose and business activity of each organic food or input establishment, including the dates of operation if the organic food establishment is seasonal;

(c) A list of the organic food or input produced and corresponding brand names;

(d) For organic food establishment, the name, address and contact information of the organic food certifying body that certified the organic products sold by the company;

(e) An assurance that the registrant will notify the director of any change in the products, function or legal status of the domestic food establishment (including cessation of business activities) not later than 30 days after such change; and

(f) For organic input producers, a list of materials used in the production of each particular input.

Section 17 Labeling of Organic Produce. – The label of organic produce shall contain the name, logo or seal of the organic certifying body and the accreditation number issued by the BAFPS. Only third party certification is allowed to be labeled as organically produced.

Section 18 Retailing of Organic Produce. – Retail establishments or stores of organic produce shall designate a separate area to display the organic produce to avoid mixing it with non-organic produce.

Section 19 Availability of Trading Post for Organic Inputs. – Local chief executives shall establish, as far as practicable, at least one 1) trading post for organic inputs for every LGU in the area of jurisdiction.

Section 20 Research, Development and Extension – The Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), as the lead agency, shall coordinate with the other agencies of the DA, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Department of Education (DepED), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the strategic agricultural-based sate universities and colleges (SUCs), including private organizations, to develop, enhance, support and consolidate activities and related technologies for the formulation and implementation of a unified and integrated organic agriculture RDE plan and programs for the national to the field level. The organic agriculture RDE plans and programs shall include, but not limited to the following:

(a) Research, development and commercialization of appropriate, innovative and viable organic agricultural technologies;

(b) Nationwide promotion of developed and commercially viable biodegradable farm wastes and by-products through various extension strategies to accelerate the production, use and distribution of organic fertilizers; and

(c) Conduct research for market development, policy formulation, regulation and certification.

Section 21 Creation of Organic Agriculture RDE Network  – An organic agriculture

RDE network shall be organized by the BAR, composed of research and educational institutions, LGUs, nongovernment agencies and the recognized association of organic fertilizer manufacturers and distributors, agricultural engineers, agriculturists, soil technologists, farmers group and/or associations.

Section 22 RDE Centers. – National, regional and provincial organic R & D and extension centers shall be organized, established and integrated as a major component of the existing RDE centers of DA, the DOST, the DENR, SUCs and the LGUs. These will be strengthened and enhanced to spearhead the integrated program to develop and promote organic agriculture throughout the country.

Section 23 Organic Agriculture in the Formal and Non-formal Sectors. – The National Government, through the DepED and in coordination with concerned government agencies, NGOs and private institutions, shall strengthen the integration of organic agriculture concerns in school curricula at all levels.

Section 24 Incentives. – The government shall extend incentives for the production and propagation of organic farm inputs by maximizing their use in all government and government supported agricultural production, research and demonstration programs. Incentive shall also be provided to farmers whose farms have been duly certified as compliant to the Philippine National Standards (PNS). Further, the DA may give cash reward in recognition of the best organic farm in the country. The DA, the DAR, the DOST, the DILG, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the DepED, the Department of Finance (DOF), the Land Bank of the Philippine (LBP), and other government lending and non-lending institutions shall also assist organic input producers and organic farmers through the provision of adequate financial, technical, marketing and other services and resources. These include, but shall not be limited to, the following:

(a) Exemption from the payment of duties on the importation of agricultural equipment, machinery and implements as provided under Republic Act No. 9281, which amends Republic Act No. 8435 or the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA);

(b) Identification by LGUs of local taxes that may be offered as incentives to organic input production and utilization;

(c) Provision of preferential rates and special window to organic input producers and users by the LBP;

(d) Subsidies for certification fees and other support services to facilitate organic certification;

(e) Zero-rated value-added tax (VAT) on transactions involving the sale/purchase of bio-organic products, whether organic inputs or organic produce; and

(f) Income tax holiday and exemption for seven (7) years, starting from the date of registration of organic food and organic input producers on all income taxes levied by the National Government.

The tax incentives shall be given only to purely organic agriculture entities/farmers and shall be subject to the accreditation of the BAFPS and periodic reporting by the BAFPS to the DOF: Provided, That the said incentives shall be available only to micro, small and medium enterprises as defined under Section 3 of Republic Act No. 9501 or the Magna Carta for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

Section 25 Appropriations, – The sum of Fifty million pesos (Php50, 000, 000.00) and the existing budget for the promotion of organic farming of the DA is hereby appropriated for the initial year of implementation of this Act. Thereafter, such amount as may be necessary for the continuous operation of the NOAB and the implementation of the program shall be included in the annual General Appropriation Act (GAA).

The NOAB is hereby authorized to solicit and accept assistance or facilities in the form of grants from individuals and entities here and abroad, and to utilize these funds and resources for purposes of this Act, subject to the usual budget, accounting and auditing rules and regulations.

Section 26. Penal Provision. – Any person who willfully and deliberately:

(a) obstructs the development of propagation of organic agriculture, or the manufacture, production, sale or use of organic agricultural inputs;

(b) refuses without just cause to extend the support and assistance required under this Act; and

(c) mislabels or claims that the product is organic when it is not in accordance with the existing standards for Philippine organic agriculture or this Act shall, upon conviction, be punished by imprisonment of not less than one (1) month nor more than six (6) months, or a fine of not more than Fifty thousand pesos (P50, 000.00), or both, at the discretion of the court. If the offender is a corporation or a juridical entity, the official who ordered or allowed the commission of the offense shall be punished with the same penalty. If the offender is in the government service, he shall in addition, be dismissed from the office.

Section 27 Implementing Rules and Regulations. – The NOAB shall adopt rules and regulation to implement the provisions of this Act within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act and submit the same to the COCAFM for review and approval.

In the drafting of the implementing rules and regulations, the DOF shall be consulted in connection with the tax incentive provided under Section 24 hereof.

Section 28 Annual Report – The NOAB shall render an annual report to both House of Congress on the accomplishment of the program. A review on the viability of the program shall be made by the concerned agencies after three (3) years of its implementation.

Section 29 Congressional Oversight Committee – The COCAFM shall be the congressional oversight committee for purposes of this Act. The COCAFM shall review and approve the implementing rules and regulations of this Act and also perform the following functions:

(a) Monitor and ensure the proper implementation of this Act.

(b) Review the proper implementation of the programs on organic agriculture and the use of its funds;

(c) Review the performance of the NOAB; and

(d) Such other functions it deems necessary.

Section 30 Separability Clause – if any provisions of this Act is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

Section 31 Repealing Clause. – All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, presidential proclamations, rules and regulations or parts thereof contrary to or inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 32 Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation or in the Official Gazette, whichever comes first.

Approved,

PROSPERO C. NOGRALES                                                   JUAN PONCE ENRILE

Speaker of the House of Representatives                                      President of the Senate

This Act which is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 3264 and House Bill No. 7066 was finally passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives on February 1,2010.

MARILYN B. BARUA-YAP                                                      EMMA LIRIO-REYES

Secretary General House of Representatives                                  Secretary of the Senate

Approved: APRIL 06, 2010

GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO

President of the Philippines

METHODS

An abstraction known as methodology acts as a guide for the research during the entire scientific investigation process (Anea, 1985). This makes it possible for the researcher to accurately and openly present his findings to the academic community (Harris 1979; Scaff 1982). It covers the methods for obtaining the empirical data that the investigation requires.

This chapter explores research design, research location, study respondents, sample design, data collection process, research instrument, validity and reliability, and statistical analysis while adhering to the scientific inquiry.

Research Design

The research is structured as a descriptive-exploratory study that describes and analyzes the breadth of perceptions of organic farming at Sulu State College of Agriculture in Sulu Province, given that there is a hypothesis to be validated in this study. Vernon (2004) has provided an apt definition of descriptive research design as follows: it interprets and reveals situations that are present or absent and explanatorily provides the necessary knowledge and experiences to facilitate the establishment of a more complete study.

Research Locale

As Sulu is one of the esteemed province in Muslim Mindanao Bangsamoro autonomous region’s. It is the area where agriculture is practiced on the majority of the Province. This area contains the majority of Sulu Province’s farmlands. The majority of people who live  rely on agriculture for both their food and their money. The investigation started in November 2023 to February 2024.

Research Respondents

The one from which the empirical data for this investigation came was one hundred (100) Sulu Farmers-respondents, evenly distributed among the farmers in the mainland province of Sulu.

Respondent distribution based on gender and age Number of Farmer-Respondents

Purposive random selection was the sample strategy employed in this study, which entails the researcher purposefully selecting and including twenty farmer in each Municipal to guarantee adequate representation among Sulu Farmers. This study was conducted from November 2023- February 2024.

Research Instrument

The research instrument used to generate the empirical data is a checklist questionnaire adopted from the study of Colas, R. D., 2011, which constitutes close-ended or fixed questions stated in English language, developed specifically to meet the objectives of this study. The instrument consists of two (2) parts. With two specially created items,

 Part I of the questionnaire addressed the demographic profiles of the respondents. In Part II A of the survey, respondents are asked to rate their impressions of the socio-economic consequences of organic farming on the market, on health, on ecology, and on economics using four, three, and seven designed items, respectively. Ten (10) specially created questions and things are included in Part II B, which addresses the issues that arise in organic farming.

Validity And Reliability

Since this study is patterned from the work of Colas, R. D., 2011, there is no need to test the validity and reliability of the instrument for it is already considered valid and highly reliable.

Data Gathering Procedure

The President of Sulu State College received a formal letter from the Office of the Dean of Graduate Studies granting authorization to begin the study. Looked for. A letter of request was forwarded to the Dean of Agriculture after authorization was granted. Was then sent on. The questionnaire was launched and retrieved by the researcher herself. Survey among the responders at the aforementioned institution. The students completed the survey instrument in their individual classes under the guidance of the researcher and the four (4) class advisers. The collected data and responses were classified appropriately, and a statistician’s expertise was consulted for the proper statistical treatment and analysis.

Statistical Treatment of Data

As the produced empirical data were being contextualized for Part I, the Percentage distributions and frequency counts are the statistical tools used. The researcher used frequency count, percentage distribution, and ranking consistently for Part II B and Part Il A. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed in this study to validate the hypothesis.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

This chapter includes the study’s findings and a discussion of the socioeconomic advantages of organic farming for farmers as well as the challenges that organic farmers face, as reported by Sulu Farmer- respondents. Farmer respondents’ demographic profile in Sulu Province. The outcome demonstrates that the proportion of responders by age group is more or roughly equal, with the exception of those who are 51 years of age and older, who have a somewhat higher 31 percent. In terms of gender, just 25% of respondents are female and 75% of respondents are male.

Table 1. Demographic Profile of the Farmer-Respondents of Mainland in Sulu Province

N=100

Farmers’ perceptions on the socioeconomic benefits of organic farming as expressed by farmers Sulu Province

Table 2 demonstrates that respondents who were farmers thought that organic farming was better for the environment since it reduces pollutants and uses more energy. efficiency, encourages the use of energy resources, lowers the nitrate content of the soil, fosters biodiversity, and is favorable to the environment.

According to the farmers replies, organic farming offers better food, lowers the risk of certain diseases, and produces organic products free of chemical pesticides.

From an economic perspective, they believe that organic farming creates jobs, has the potential for export, and lowers the cost of farm supplies because it requires a lot of labor. Extensive and lucrative. Organic farming commands a premium price in the market, which creates the paving the way for the growth of the organic industry and the resulting demand for organic food in the market, where it faces off against traditional agricultural products. The outcome only suggests that organic farming is highly advantageous to farmers in terms of the environment, health, market, and economy as understood by the respondents who were farmers in the province of Sulu. The organic farming industry offers various benefits such as job security, lower initial investment, higher premium for organic goods, ecological benefits, lower input costs, healthier soil, drought-resistant crops, amazing marketing opportunities, and educational benefits, according to Jennifer Chait (2015), an expert in organic business.

Table 2. The socio-economic advantages of organic farming, as perceived by Sulu Province farmer respondents

Issues Faced by Farmer-Respondents in Sulu Province’s Mainland Regarding Organic Farming Practices

The issues with organic farming, according to Sulu State College of Agriculture student respondents in Sulu Province, are listed in Table 3: consumers don’t care about organic products; they are more expensive and labor-intensive; they frequently lose all or a significant portion of a crop to pests; animal manure harbors deadly bacteria; these issues require additional capital; and there is a lack of market information and channels. A small amount of produce was viewed as less of a issue faced by farmers, as reported by the students who responded. The majority of 79% who said “yes” validates the issues found in following organic farming, as reported by mainland Sulu Province farmers that participated in the survey.

Table 3. Problems Encountered in Practicing Organic Farmingas Perceived by the farmer-Respondents of mainland in Sulu Province

There is a notable distinction in the perspectives of farmers in Sulu Province when their responses are classified based on to Age.

The crucial value of F is at df = 3 for the numerator and f = 13 for the denominator. is 3.41. When ANOVA is applied, the calculated F-ratio of 1425.32 is higher than the F critical value of 3.41. We reject the null hypothesis.

When farmer’s replies are categorized, there is a noticeable variation in how they perceive the Sulu Province. Based on age. More matured students perceived organic farming differently from their lesser matured counterparts. They perceived organic farming as beneficial. as contrast to conventional farming, which makes use of pesticides and fertilizers.

Table 4. Significant Difference in the Perception of farmer’s in Sulu Province when their Responses are Categorized according to Age.

Anova Summary Table

Significant Difference in the Perception of farmer’s in Sulu Province when their Responses are Categorized according to Gender

The F critical value is at df = 1 for the numerator and f = 6 for the denominator. Is 5.99. The computed F-ratio of 1,444.14 when ANOVA was used is greater than the F critical value of 5.99. We reject the null hypothesis. There is a significant difference in the perception of farmer’s in Sulu Province when their responses are categorized according to gender. Males are frequently considered farmers more than females. Hence, they evaluated the benefits of organic farming differently from the female agricultural students.

Table 5. Significant Difference in the Perception of farmer’s in Sulu Province when their Responses are Categorized according to Gender.

Anova Summary Table

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

Farmer respondents’ demographic profile in Sulu Province

I. The age distribution of the respondents throughout the various age groups is about equal, according to the results of the respondent’s demographic profile. 25% of responses are female, while 75% of respondents are male.

Farmers’ Perceived Socioeconomic Benefits from Organic Farming Farmers  who responded were located in  Sulu Province.

II. According to farmer responders in Sulu Province, organic farming benefits farmers in terms of the environment, health, economy, and market.

Issues Faced in the Practice of Organic Farming as Described by farmer Respondents in Sulu Province

Demographic Profile of the farmer in Sulu Province The result on the demographic profile of the respondent in terms of age shows.

III. The respondents are almost evenly distributed in the different age brackets. In terms of gender, 75% of the respondents are males, while 25% are females. Socio-Economic Benefits of Organic Farming to the Farmers, as Perceived by the farmer’s in Sulu Province.

IV. The farmer in Sulu Province perceived that organic farming in terms of environment, health, economy, and market are beneficial to the farmers. Problems Encountered in Practicing Organic Farming as Perceived by the farmer in Sulu Province

RECOMMENDATION

Because of its advantages for the environment and human health, organic farming is becoming more and more popular in the Sulu Province, which is noted for its abundant agricultural area. An all-encompassing approach that takes into account several facets of the farmers’ farming techniques, expertise, resources, and obstacles is necessary in order to evaluate the organic farming practices of the farmers in the area. Policymakers, academics, and stakeholders can find ways to encourage and support sustainable organic farming methods in mainland Sulu Province by carrying out a thorough assessment. By putting these suggestions into reality, stakeholders would be able to better understand the organic farming methods used by farmers in the Sulu Province on the mainland and create focused interventions to support sustainable agriculture and raise farmers’ living standards.

CONCLUSION

The study’s conclusions are based on the following:

Regardless, more male farmer than female farmer working in agriculture farm. Age-wise. Farmers are seen to benefit from organic farming in terms of market, economic, health, and environmental factors. In terms of agricultural techniques, organic farming is essentially novel. It is normal for it to experience issues in its early years. These issues can be resolved eventually and will be helpful to those who continue to produce organically in the future. When respondents’ comments are divided into age and gender categories, differences in how farmers is perceived in the province of Sulu are expected. The advantages of organic farming were viewed differently by male and female farmers. The disparities in age often result in distinct viewpoints regarding organic farming.

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