THE Department of Agriculture Region IV-CALABARZON (DA-4A) and the Organic Certification Center of the Philippines (OCCP) certified three organic farms, namely, Cortijo de Palsabangon Farm in Pagbilao, Quezon; Santuario Nature Farms in Indang, Cavite; and Luntiang Republika EcoFarms in Alfonso, Cavite.
The newly certified farms were assisted by the DA-4A’s Organic Agriculture Program by shouldering the cost of the certification fees and by providing technical assistance through its Regional Pre-Assessment Team in ensuring compliance to production system, area, and product standards relevant to crop production leading to certification.
Becoming certified organic helps producers receive premium prices for their products, market products to consumers, and access fast-growing local, regional, and international markets, among others.
Mr. Eduardo Cleofe of Luntiang Republika said, “We are elated to have been given an OCCP organic certification. This was realized through the unwavering support from the Department of Agriculture 4A. This will pave the way for our organic products to be fully positioned in the market based on the existing organic standards. All to the benefit of the farmers and the consumers.”
On the other hand, according to Regional Organic Agriculture Program Focal Person Ms. Eda F. Dimapilis, the regional office continues to promote organic agriculture and to look, identify, and help organic farms to increase the numbers of certified farms and so that more and more farmers can see the advantages of the same. “We are confident that more organic farms will be certified in CALABARZON,” Ms. Dimapilis assured.| Radel F. Llagas
