DA allots P950 M for organic agri program, launches ‘organic directory.’

To sustain the implementation and adoption of sustainable organic agriculture technologies, inputs and products, the Department of Agriculture is allotting P950 million next year, said Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala (2nd from left) at the opening of the 9th National Organic Agriculture Congress, in Cebu, held November 6 to 8, 2012. During the event — attended by 2,000 farmers, organic farming practitioners, and DA family and local government officials — he also led the launch of a 258-page “Organic Directory” (inset), which contains an initial list of addresses, telephone, fax, email, and products and services of organic farming practitioners. The directory is published by the Spread Organic Agriculture of the Philippines (SOAP) in partnership with the DA through the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI). Also in photo are (from left) ATI Director Asterio P. Saliot, the model of the organic directory front cover, and a SOAP official. (Photo by Jose Lucas, DA Information Service)