Oriental Negros will host the 2nd Negros Island Organic Farmers Festival on the theme, "Save the Earth - Negros, Go Organic," Feb. 8 to 10 in Dumaguete City.

Information Officer of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist Nitz Bangay said the event is aimed at promoting awareness among farmers and agriculturists on the importance of adopting natural farming methods, and discouraging the use of pesticide and chemical fertilizers.

Both the Oriental Negros and Negros Occidental governments have pushed for organic farming technology or natural farming systems to stop the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, in order to protect the people's health. Organically-grown farm products of local government units all over Negros Island will be exhibited in booths to be set up at the Freedom Park, Capitol Area, Dumaguete.

A symposium will be conducted at the Lamberto Macias Sports Complex.

Topics to be taken up are Organic Agriculture and Fair Trade, International Market for Organic Products, Lifestyle on Health and Sustainability, Prospects and Challenges in the Local Organic Market, Clustering as a Strategy for Global Competitiveness, Updates on the Optimization Standardization of Muscovado Processing, Rice Duck Raising and Organic Piggery, Organic Vegetable Production, Sloping Agriculture Land Technology, Organic Certification and Standards, and Updates in Vermi-Composting.

Business counseling and technical and marketing sessions are set Feb. 9.

Participants will also be treated to agri-tours to the Bio-Intensive Garden in Brgy. Janay-Janay in San Jose town, and Caticugan Organic Tilapia Production site at Sitio Naga, Caticugan, Siaton for possible business tie-ups, Bangay said.*RG

back to top