IN THE RECENT Regional Organic Agriculture Achievers’ Awards of the Department of Agriculture in Western Visayas, Negros Occidental was recognized as an outstanding province in organic farming.
Negros Occidental has become a foremost exponent of organic farming and its organic vegetables are known far and wide.
Does it matter if what we eat is organic or not?
Yes it does. According to greenactionweek.org, it makes a difference for us, our children, the farmers, the trees and the rivers. It makes an important difference to our planet. The greenactionweek.org cites five reasons to choose organic food.
Organic farming does not use agrochemicals like pesticides as these are harmful to the environment and human health. Pesticides pose danger to the health of farming families and people working in farms and who are directly exposed. Those living nearby may be exposed to spray drift, too, or polluted water, soil or waste from the farms. Research shows that eating organic food reduces exposure to hazardous pesticides.
Organic farmers plant a wide variety of crops rather than just one big field of the same. This and other organic methods increase the range of species of natural plants and animals in the soil and around the farm. Biodiversity is essential to make nature work.
Studies show that solutions for the future can be found in organic agriculture. Instead of using agrochemicals organic farmers use knowledge. They use a greater diversity of crops – often indigenous. This generally gives better protection against drought and diseases, thus reducing risks for the farmer. In many parts of the world, the production methods used also increase the yield. Yes, we need to change the way we produce and consume food.
Organic farming is often more diversified and creates more jobs. Often, the production costs for the farmers are lower and profits higher when they no longer have to buy chemical fertilizers, pesticides and seeds.
An estimated 70 percent of the world’s poor live in rural areas and most of them are involved in farming. Buying organic products leads to increased production and incomes, improved local food security and a cleaner and greener environment. With Negros Occidental as our example, we can help organic farming grow.
