A Case Study on the Management of Organic Agriculture in Tublay, Benguet

Abstract

This study identified and discussed the different programs and strategies implemented, the positive benefits, the number of Organic Agriculture Practitioners and the challenges encountered by the Local Government of Tublay in the implementation of Organic Agriculture. The study employed qualitative method to gather data. Information were gathered thru interviews, observations, document and text analysis and focused group discussions. Officers and members of the Organic Agriculture Practitioners and some Organic agriculture practitioners were interviewed. Findings revealed that the Local Government Unit of Tublay has adopted programs in support to the implementation of Organic Agriculture however, extensive supports are still needed. Strategies were also implemented with the aim to convince all farmers to shift from conventional way of farming to the adaptation of Organic Agriculture practices. regarding the accreditation of Organic Farms in the municipality, all are under process of certification since there are still needed requirements to be completed. As to the positive benefits of Organic Agriculture in the municipality, most respondents said that the good health is the number one benefit they can get from consuming organic products. The full implementation of Organic Agriculture in the municipality is not yet achieved due to some problems such as high accreditation cost in order to get a certification for the Organic Certification Center of the Philippines, lack of Government support, lack of farm inputs and the conversion period is too long. The study suggests the continuation of government support thru implementation of other programs supporting Organic Agriculture. The establishment of a permanent market was also recommended. A centralized techno-demo farm is also suggested to be a venue for hands-on trainings, to have centralized source and continuous supply of organic fertilizers. It is also indispensable that the Local Government of Tublay should extend more comprehensive program including subsidizing the accreditation cost in order to fully achieve the implementation of Organic Agriculture in the municipality.