MANILA, Philippines – The February issue of Agriculture Magazine published by the Manila Bulletin and edited by yours truly features the organic farming movement in Negros Occidental as well as another certified organic farm in Lipa City, the Kahariam farm of Manuel Bagatsing.

There is a growing interest in organic farm products, particularly among the health-conscious consumers. They are looking for farm products that are produced without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

This interest in organic products has encouraged entrepreneurs to engage in the production of organic fertilizers like vermicompost, Bokashi (a fermented organic fertilizer popularized by the Japanese), fermented plant and fruit juices for plant growth as well as for pest control, and other natural farming techniques.

In 2005 the provincial governments of both Negros Occidental and Oriental proclaimed their two provinces as the “Organic Island of Negros.” Since then, more and more Negrenses have been getting into the business of producing, processing and marketing organic food and non-food products.

Of course, long before the proclamation, companies and individuals have been engaged in organic agriculture in Negros. A pioneer in this field is Altertrade which is said to be the biggest exporter of organic products in Negros today. It is well known for its muscovado sugar, organic rice, banana and other items. Another early practitioner is the husband and wife team of Batchoy and Pam Henares who pioneered in vermiculture for the production of organic fertilizer in their Buro Buro Farm in Bacolod.

Chin Chin Uy and his wife Francine represent the young entrepreneurs who are into organic production, processing and marketing. They are the owners of Fresh Start Organics based in Silay City. The couple started their business right after their marriage in 2005 when they were just in their early 20s. Read more about their flourishing project in the February issue of Agriculture Magazine.

There are many other interesting stories that could inspire and provide useful knowledge in next month’s issue. There is a story on tunnel ventilation in poultry; off-season tomato farmers; brothers succeeding in banana production in Pampanga; a high school graduate who is an outstanding corn farmer; a livestock production program in Tanauan City in Batangas; pest control with plants at organic farms in the Inited States; indigenous food plants in the Ilocos; and many more.

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MEAT PROCESSING SEMINAR AT AANI — Lulu Rivera, the food processing expert who used to be with the Bureau of Animal Industry, will conduct a seminar on practical meat processing on Saturday, January 29 from 1 to 5 p.m. This will be at the new AANI Weekend Market at the St. Vincent Seminary along Tandang Sora Avenue, Quezon City. She will discuss how to prepare siomai, hamburger, barbecue and tocino. Visit AANI office at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City for more details.