Bacolod City - San Mariano Agrarian Reform Cooperative, an Agrarian Beneficiaries Organization (ARBO) from Lallo, Cagayan, along with other researchers, academic institutions, organic practitioners, and advocates from Cagayan province, participated in the 18th National Organic Agriculture Congress (NOAC) in Bacolod City, strengthening their role in advancing sustainable and climate-resilient farming practices in the Philippines.
The annual congress, hosted by the National Organic Agriculture Board (NOAB) and supported by the Department of Agriculture and Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), brought together farmers, practitioners, advocates, and policymakers to highlight successful organic production models, new technologies, and market opportunities.
This year’s theme focused on “Organic Agriculture: Strengthening Communities for a Sustainable Future”—a direction strongly aligned with ARBOs’ ongoing efforts to improve farm productivity, reduce input costs, and promote healthier, chemical-free produce.
Primary Activities are: (1) Call for Papers: An invitation for researchers, institutions, organic practitioners, and advocates to submit papers and showcase their work; (2) Presentations: A venue for sharing research findings and innovations in organic agriculture; (3) Networking: An opportunity for participants to connect with industry leaders and other stakeholders in the organic agriculture sector; and (4) Related Events: The congress is part of a larger Organic Agriculture Month celebration that includes the 18th Negros Island Organic Farmers' Festival (November 19-23) and Terra Madre Asia and Pacific (November 19-23).
Many groups also participated in technical sessions on organic certification, regenerative agriculture, composting systems, and enterprise development.
According to DAR provincial representatives, the participation of ARBOs in the congress reflects the agency’s commitment to helping organized farmers compete in premium markets. “Organic agriculture is not only good for the soil—it is good for the farmers’ livelihood. ARBOs are at the forefront of transforming rural food systems,” one official said.
The ARBO delegates also joined business-matching sessions, where they explored partnerships with organic processors, community-supported agriculture (CSA) organizations, and local government units seeking sustainable suppliers.
With rising consumer demand for safe and sustainably grown food, ARBOs aim to strengthen their production systems and tap broader domestic and export markets in the coming year.
The 18th NOAC once again positioned Bacolod as a hub of Philippine organic agriculture—bringing together farmer-leaders, experts, and ARBOs working toward a greener, healthier, and more inclusive agricultural future.
