BACOLOD City – The provincial government of Negros Occidental announced that the province will host the 2027 IFOAM (International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements) Organic World Congress.
“Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson wins the bid for the 2027 IFOAM Organic World Congress at Nanhua University in Taiwan,” read part of the provincial government’s Facebook post on Thursday, December 5.
With 128 votes, the province bagged the hosting against Brisbane, Australia which has 92 votes, the post added.
The Organic World Congress co-organized by the IFOAM – Organics International is held every three years and is attended by thousands of organic farmers, producers, researchers, advocates, and policy experts from around the world.
“As governor of the Sugar and Organic Food Bowl of the Philippines, I proudly represent Negros Occidental in bidding to host the 2027 World Organic Congress,” said Gov. Lacson. “The aspiration to host this esteemed Congress is something we consider not just a privilege but a calling, aligned with humanity’s shared aspiration for better health, ecology, fairness, and care.”
He added that hosting the IFOAM Organic World Congress in Negros Occidental is not just an event for us. It is an opportunity to amplify the organic movement, inspire policy reforms, and empower farmers worldwide.
“We envision this Congress as a platform for innovation, knowledge exchange, and collaboration that will drive the change we all hope to achieve,” the governor said.
The bid was also attended by some Negros Occidental mayors and Provincial Board members, among others.
Victorias City’s Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, president of the Association of Chief Executives (ACE) of Negros Occidental, congratulated Gov. Lacson and the provincial government.
“Hosting the Organic World Congress 2027 is a defining moment for Negros Occidental, a chance to showcase the strength of our sustainable agriculture and bring honor not only to our province but also to the Philippines,” he said.
The said event is a platform for knowledge-sharing, forging global partnerships, and strengthening local agriculture sector that will boost local agri-tourism, he added./PN
