by Jayvee Mhar Viloria

A group of farmers sells fresh harvests and organic products at the 2nd Organic Agriculture Fair at the University of the Philippines Los Baños. (Jayvee Mhar Viloria/LB Times)

Various farming groups and agricultural stakeholders showcased their organic products and processes at the 2nd Organic Agriculture (OA) Fair held on 6 March 2024 at the Organic Agriculture Research, Development, and Extension Center (OARDEC) of the University of the Philippnes Los Baños College of Agriculture and Food Science. The farmers also had the chance to share the realities of organic farming with students.

“Kaisa ninyo kami tungo sa ating hangarin na mas matatag at mas pinalakas na organikong industriya na kung saan ang lahat ay may kabuhayang OA, kinabukasang OK!” said Bernadette San Juan, program coordinator of National Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP).

The fair also put the spotlight on organic agriculture as an alternative to conventional or chemical farming, which can negatively affect the environment and human health.

During the 2nd Organic Agriculture Fair at the University of the Philippines Los Baños, different farmers’ groups feature agricultural products made of organic materials. (Jayvee Mhar Viloria/LB Times)

“Radical change is needed in agriculture policy and practice if we were to address the broader objectives of society,” Magsasaka at Siyentipiko para sa Pag-unlad ng Agrikultura (MASIPAG) stated in one of their visual materials.

Furthermore, Patrick Dela Cueva, advocacy officer of MASIPAG, presented their programs in the agriculture sector and encouraged people to take initiatives in advancing the rights of local farmers.

“Kung ikaw ay isang tao na nagsusulong din ng karapatan ng mga magsasaka at mga mamamayan, hindi mahirap yakapin ang MASIPAG. Nandito ang mga programa ng MASIPAG na nagaganap na aktwal sa mga komunidad na nakatutulong sa pagkain, kabuhayan, kapaligiran, at sa pagsusulong pa ng higit na mga karapatan ng mga magsasaka… at nagsusulong ng iba’t ibang mga solusyon at alternatibo sa current na kaayusan ng sistema ng pagkain at agrikultura,” Dela Cueva said in an interview.

Patrick Dela Cueva, advocacy officer of MASIPAG, explains the importance of organic agriculture as an alternative to conventional agriculture at the 2nd Organic Agriculture Fair at the University of the Philippines Los Baños. (Jayvee Mhar Viloria/LB Times)

The fair featured discussions on organic farming, cooking demo, farm tour, food booths, and exhibits. The agriculture entrepreneurs offered products, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, dishes made of organic ingredients, and farming essentials.

Aside from the OA Fair held at OARDEC, the UPLB administration also organized a three-day Agri Stakeholders’ Fair at the Baker Hall from March 6 to 8, featuring booths from each college and other organizations.

The event was part of the celebration of the 115th Foundating Anniversary of UPLB, which originated from the UP College of Agriculture on March 6, 1909. Currently, the university has nine colleges and two schools.