1 What is Organic Farming? Organic farming is the production of crops and livestock without the use of synthetic chemicals and in-organic fertilizers. 2 What is Organic Farming? a production system which avoids or largely excludes the use of synthetically compounded fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators, and livestock feed additives. 3 What is Conventional Agriculture? Conventional agriculture uses pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and harmful chemicals to produce the food we eat. Farming systems dependent on the input of artificial fertilizers and/or pesticides 4 What is Conventional Agriculture? Rapid technological innovation Large capital investments and large-scale farms Single crops/row crops grown continuously over many seasons Extensive use of pesticides, fertilizers, and external energy inputs High labor efficiency 5 Impact on Health The Economic and Social Research Council, USDA, published a report in April 2000 saying that a combination of high tech crops, pollution and soil erosion are affecting the intelligence of millions of people. 6 Impact on Health High yielding rice called green revolution crops developed in Los Baos are now named as one of the causes of brain damage especially impaired intellect in third world countries. 7 Impact on Health International studies have likewise shown that chemical-infused crops have resulted in cancer, hormone disruption, neurological disorders and other life-threatening illnesses. 8 Impact on Health Farm workers are poisoned in fields Toxic residues found on food Certain human and animal diseases have developed resistance to currently used antibiotics. 9 Environmental Impact Decline in soil productivity
Salinization of soils and irrigation water in irrigated farming areas.
Desertification due to overgrazing
10 Environmental Impact Agriculture is the largest single non-point source of water pollutants. Pesticides have been detected in groundwater in agricultural areas Eutrophication and dead zones due to nutrient runoff affect many rivers, lakes, and oceans. 11 Environmental Impact Reduced water quality impacts agricultural production, drinking water supplies, and fishery production. 12 Environmental Impact Water scarcity due to overuse of surface and ground water for irrigation 13 Environmental Impact Increased resistance to pesticides
Loss of Biodiversity 14 Environmental Impact Agricultures link to global climate change is just beginning to be appreciated.
Destruction of tropical forests for agricultural production has a role in elevated levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. 15 Enacted Laws in Organic Farming As the trend towards healthier lifestyle continues to grow, the interest in organic farming in the Philippines is also expeditiously gaining ground. 16 Enacted Laws in Organic Farming Although the Philippines has not resorted to completely ban the use of synthetic chemicals in farming, the country is set to go all natural in agriculture through Republic Act 10068. 17 Enacted Laws in Organic Farming Republic Act 10068 or Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 aims to strengthen the states policy to promote, propagate, develop further and implement the practice of organic agriculture. 18 Birth Pains of Organic Farming Local farming community is yet to totally embrace organic agriculture.
The use of chemical inputs in farming guarantees sure harvests
There isnt much economic inducement for farmers to organic. 19 Case Study Comparative Economic Study of Organic and Conventional Rice Farming in Magsaysay, Davao Del Sur
Rubinos, R., Jalipa, A., Bayacag, P. (2007) 20 Case Study Comparative Economic Study of Organic and Conventional Rice Farming in Magsaysay, Davao Del Sur
Rubinos, R., Jalipa, A., Bayacag, P. (2007) 21 Case Study Most organic farmers have lesser monthly income compared to conventional rice farmers Organic farmers have to increase their seeding rate and reduce labor to increase output Conventional farmers should increase pesticides and labor to increase their output 22 Case Study Organic rice farming is as profitable as conventional rice farming.
Even though it might have lower yield and gross returns, it also has lower total cost.
Price for organic rice is higher than conventionally grown rice. 23 Conclusion Applying Systems Thinking, Conventional Farming is not sustainable, a totally wrong system.
Organic Farming is profitable and can be the Future of Philippine Agriculture if properly understood.
Whether the current efforts of government will be successful, only time will truly tell. 24 Recommendation It is time also for everyone to recognize that we cant leave everything to government.
If we wish the agriculture sector to grow in importance, then we all have to do our share in helping farmers.