organic farming

VICTOR V. GERALDEVICTOR V. GERALDEAgriculturist II/Administrator

PNFTC, Barili, Cebu

An IntroductionAn Introduction

Problems

a. Disturbance in plant physiology causes increase in host susceptibilityb. Accumulation of toxic substances in the

food chainc. Human health is greatly affectedd. Chemical fertilizers also lead to the

reduction in beneficial microorganisms efficacy

e. Pollution of ground waterf. Reduction in soil fertility and production

Problems

g. Reduction in nutrient elements in produced agricultural products

h. Reduction of shelf life of produced vegetables and fruits

i. Increased problems on post harvest losses

History● 1924 – Prof. Rudolf Steiner of

Germany, in his lectures, correlates the plant and agriculture with the other global and environmental relationships and powers.

● 1970 – IFOAM, the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements, published the first complete set of organic regulations.

History

● 24 June 1991 – the first Official Laws which deal with organic agriculture were issued and published in the Official Journal of the Europian Community

● 2000 – USA issued its National Organic Program outlining the regulations how to produce organic products.

● 2002 – Japan issued the Japan Agriculture Standards for organic production.

However, production of organic products must be based on certain rules of target markets.

What is Organic Farming?It is not easy with organic farming. Organic farming involves a process.

A production system that avoids or largely excludes the use of synthetically compounded fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators, and livestock additives.

Activities are mainly based on internationally accepted protocols.(International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements, IFOAM)

What is Organic Farming?

Organic farming systems rely upon crop rotation, crop residue, animal manures, legumes, green manures, off-farm organic wastes, mechanical cultivation and mineral-bearing blocks.

It also relies on aspects of biological control to maintain soil productivity, to supply plant nutrients and to control insects, weeds and other pests.

Maintaining Soil Fertility and Biological Activity

Cultivation of legumes, green manures

Incorporation in the soil of organic material, composted or not, farmyard manure

Maintaining Soil Fertility and Biological Activity

For compost activation, appropriate microorganisms or plant-based preparations maybe used

Biodynamic preparations from stone meal, farmyard manure or plants may also be used

Pests, diseases and weeds should be controlled by any one or a combination of the following measures:

Flame weeding

Natural enemies including release of predators and parasites

Mulching and mowing

Pests, diseases and weeds should be controlled by any one or a combination of the following measures:

Choice of appropriate species and varieties, appropriate rotation programs, mechanical cultivation

Protection of natural enemies of pests through provision of favourable habitat, such as hedges and nesting sites, ecological buffer zones which maintain original vegetation to house pest predators, diversified ecosystems

Pests, diseases and weeds should be controlled by any one or a combination of the following measures:

Grazing animals

Mechanical control such as traps, barriers, light and sound

Steam sterilization

Biodymanic preparations

Principles in Organic AgricultureThe Principle of Health – Organic

Agriculture should sustain and enhance the health of soil, plant, animal and human as one and indivisible.

The Principle of Ecology – Organic Agriculture should be based on living ecological systems and cycles, work with them, emulate them and help sustain them.

Principles in Organic AgricultureThe Principle of Fairness – Organic

Agriculture should build on relationships that ensure fairness with regard to the common environment and life opportunities.

The Principle of Care – Organic Agriculture should be managed in a precautionary and responsible manner to protect the health and well-being of current and future generations and the environment.

The only body authorized and accredited by the Philippine Department of Agriculture to certify organic products in the country

Needs 3-6 months to complete the inspection of organic farms before it can issue a Certificate which costs USD 297 and is valid only for 1 year.

Organic Certification Center of the Philippines (OCCP)

Conversion Period of Farms

Full seasonal crops = after 2 years

Perennial crops = after 3 years

For virgin farmlands = after 1 year

The Organic Agriculture Industry

Total Organic Area (Asia) = 4.1 Million hectares with almost 300,000 farmers.

Asian market for organic food is valued at USD 750 Million.

The Organic Agriculture Industry

The Organic Agriculture industry in the Philippines is still in its infancy stage with very little reliable data on its domestic market.

Certified organic products include rice, vegetables, sugar, banana and coconut.

The Organic Agriculture Industry

Exported organic products include muscovado sugar, banana chips, coconut cooking oil, virgin coconut oil, dessicated coconut and dried banana leaves

The Organic Agriculture Industry

Organic market in the Philippines is growing at a significant rate of 10-20% annually.

Prices of organic products are 20-30% higher

BOTANICAL PESTICIDES

a. Atis (Anona squamosa) – Pulverize the seeds and mix with water. Use as spray against aphids, ants and other insects.

b. Chrysanthemum – Grind the dried flowers. Mix with clay loam soil and water. Spray against a wide range of insects. Proportion will be 6-7 tablespoons of dried ground flower to 1 gallon of water.

BOTANICAL PESTICIDES

c. Tubli (Derris sp.) – Pound the fresh bark and rods and extract the juice with water. Mix 6 tablespoons of juice to 3-4 liters of water. It makes an effective insect spray.

d. Madre de cacao (Glirieidia sepium) – Extract the juice from leaves and stems. Mix with water and spray against insects. Fresh stems with leaves can be placed between plants to deter insects.

BOTANICAL PESTICIDES

e. Makabuhay (Tinosporo rumphi) – Pound the root, stem and leaves to extract the juice. Mix with water. Use spray against aphids, flies, moths, worms and other insects.

f. Tomato – Boil the stems and leaves of tomato in water. Cool it. Spray against caterpillars and black or green flies. This will also serve to deter future attack.

BOTANICAL PESTICIDES

g. Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) – Boil the midribs and stems in water for a few minutes or soak for 3-4 days. Let it cool. This is an effective spray against numerous insect pests.

h. Red pepper – Pound several red pepper in water and drain. Mix the solution with water and spray to target pests

Others

a. Soap and water spray – Mix 3 tbsp of soap flakes in 1 gallon water. Spray against insects.

b. Wood ash – Spray wood ash around the plant roots to control root maggots in radish, onions, cabbage and other brassicas. Encircle plants with a 3-4 inch wide trench, 1-2 inches deep and fill this with wood ash to discourage snails slugs, and cutworms.

SALAMAT!