The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) participated as one of the major sponsors during the 2nd Organic Agriculture Fair (OA Fair) held recently at the Organic Agriculture Research, Development and Extension Center (OARDEC) of University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB).
The 2nd OA Fair was a vibrant showcase of organic products and initiatives, with 22 exhibitors and sellers offering a diverse range of fresh vegetables, fruits, organic processed foods, non-food products, organic soil amendments, and handicrafts. The fair also engaged more than 600 participants who had sampled delicious delicacies from nine food booths and learned from selected OA practitioners and agencies supporting OA in the Philippines, including Dr. Bernadette San Juan of (NOAP), Ms. Elizabeth Gregorio of DA-CALABARZON, Ms. Simonette Lim from the office of the 2nd District Representative of Laguna Ruth Hernandez, UPLB Vice Chancellor Robert Cereno, UPLB College of Agriculture and Food Sciences Dean Elpidio Agbisit Jr., and Dr. Rodmyr F. Datoon of (ASI).
DOST-PCAARRD also showcased its eLibrary during the fair. Since it can be accessed online, the DOST-PCAARRD eLibrary is convenient and essential for anyone looking to delve into new topics or deepen their understanding of OA.
DOST-PCAARRD, through its Agricultural Resources Management Research Division (ARMRD) and Applied Communications Division (ACD), highlighted and showcased R&D initiatives and disseminated publications spearheaded by the Council. Among the featured publications were the Training Manual on Organic Agriculture in the Philippines and Information Bulletins on the Organic Production of Ampalaya, Cucumber, Eggplant, Okra, Lettuce, Pepper, Pole Sitao, Squash, Tomato, Carrot, Cabbage, Garden Pea, and Potato.
Furthermore, the Council had also supported exhibitors such as Sierreza, ARTFARMS, SOIL, SAMATAYO, MOFA, and Magsasaka at Siyentipiko para sa Pag-unlad ng Agrikultura (MASIPAG) to participate in the fair to promote locally-produced organic agriculture products and services.
The OA fair also celebrated the contributions of Ms. Alice Valdoria, Ms. Cherrys Abrigo, and Ms. Suzette Sales who were recognized for their roles in promoting organic farming, entrepreneurship and cooperative initiatives during the fair’s “OA sa Galing Segment.” Moreover, preparation of healthy and simple recipes with fresh vegetables and all-natural ingredients were demonstrated by Chef Von Ryan Ebron and Mr. Rommel Bailey.
The OA Fair is an annual event organized by the UPLB Agricultural Systems Institute - College of Agriculture and Food Science (ASI-CAFS), Interdisciplinary Studies Center on Organic Agriculture (IdSC-OA), and the UPLB Foundation, Inc. (UPLB-FI) as a part of its commitment to advance the science and practice of OAby intensifying public awareness and engagement of the general public.
The strategic partnership among DOST-PCAARRD, ASI-CAFS, IdSC-OA, and UPLB-FI supports the priorities of the Council under the Harmonized National Research and Development Agenda (HNRDA) for the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources sector. The HNRDA supports Agriculture 4.0 that is smart, green, and S&T-based. It includes different farming techniques such as urban farming and organic agriculture. The Council provides augmentation funds to qualified professional/scientific and academic organizations that pursue activities in support of the Council’s advocacies, banner programs, and goals.