AGRI-FISHERY 2
products from petroleum industries) or animal origin, that has
Lesson 2
Organic Agriculture in the Philippines
A than 5 percent. This may be enriched by microbial inoculants
Agricultural product/product of agricultural origin
- any product or commodity, raw or processed, that is
marketed for human consumption (excluding water, salt, and
additives) or animal feed.
Animal
- ruminant (e.g. cattle, buffalo, goat, sheep, and deer)
- non-ruminant (e.g. poultry, pigs, ostrich, rabbit, and horse)
livestock raised for food purposes.
Animal production
- practices related to any domestic or domesticated, including
bovine, ovine, porcine, caprine, equine, poultry, and bees,
raised for food or in the production of food. The products of
hunting or fishing of wild animals shall not be considered part
of this definition.
Annual crop
- crop produced by a plant whose entire life cycle is completed
within a single growing season.
B
Biodegradable inputs
- inputs composed of natural materials capable of being
decomposed by bacteria or other biological means and
includes compost, green manure, and plant and animal
waste.
Biodiversity
- variety of life forms and ecosystem types on Earth. Includes
genetic diversity (i.e. diversity within species), species
diversity (i.e. the number and variety of species), and
ecosystem diversity (total number of ecosystem types).
Biosecurity
- strategic and integrated approach that encompasses the
policy and regulatory frameworks (including instruments and
activities) that analyze and manage risks in the sectors of
food safety, animal life and health, and plant life and health,
including associated environmental risk. Biosecurity covers
the introduction of plant pests, animal pests and diseases,
and zoonoses, the introduction and release of genetically
modified organisms (GMOs) and their products, and the
introduction and management of invasive alien species and
genotypes. It is a holistic concept of direct relevance to the
sustainability of agriculture, food safety, and the protection of
the environment, including biodiversity.
Breeding
- selection of plants or animals to produce and/or to further
develop desired varieties/strains/breeds.
Buffer zone
- clearly defined and identifiable boundary area bordering an
organic production site that is established to limit application
of, or contact with, prohibited substances from an adjacent
area.
C -
Certification
- procedure by which an operator or a group of operators
receive written and reliably endorsed assurance from a
certification body that a clearly identified process has been
methodically applied in order to assess that the operator is
producing specified products according to specific
requirements or standards.
Commingling
- intentional or unintentional mixing together or the physical
contact between organic products and non-organic products
which are unpackaged or permeably packaged, which leads
to a loss of integrity of the organic product during production,
processing, transportation, storage, or handling.
Compost
- any product in solid or liquid form, of plant (except by-
undergone substantial decomposition that can supply
available nutrients to plants with a total Nitrogen (N),
Phosphorus (P2O5), and Potassium (K2O) of 2.5 to less
and naturally occurring minerals but no chemical or inorganic
fertilizer material has been used in the production or added
to the finished product to affect the nutrient content.
Compost and soil conditioner are used interchangeably in
this Standard.
Contamination
- contact of organic crops, animals, land, or products with
substance that would compromise the organic integrity.
Conventional
- any material, production, or processing practice that is not certified
organic or organic “inconversion”.
Conversion period (transition period)
- time between the start of organic management and
certification of the crop or animal production system or site
as organic.
Crop Rotation
- practice of alternating the species or families of annual
and/or biennial crops grown on a specific field in a planned
pattern or sequence so as to break weed, pest, and disease
cycles and to maintain or improve soil fertility and organic
matter content.
D
Disinfecting
- to reduce, by physical or chemical means, the number of
potentially harmful microorganisms in the environment to a
level that does not compromise food safety or suitability.
F
Farm unit
- total area of land under control of one farmer or collective of
farmers, and including all the farming activities or
enterprises.
Food additive
- any substance not normally consumed as a food by itself
and not normally used as typical ingredient for the food,
whether or not it has nutritive value, the intentional addition
of which to food or a technological (including organoleptic)
purpose in the manufacture, processing, preparation,
treatment, packaging, transport, or holding of such food
results, or may reasonably expected to result, (directly or
indirectly) in it or its by-products becoming a component of or
otherwise affecting the characteristics of such foods. The
term does not include contaminants or substances added to
food for maintaining or improving nutritional qualities.
Forage
- any plant material eaten by animals through grazing or
fodder
G
Genetically engineered/modified organisms (GEO/GMO’s)
organisms made with techniques that alter the molecular or
cell biology of an organism by means that are not possible
under natural conditions or processes. Genetic engineering
includes recombinant DNA, cell fusion, micro- and macro-
encapsulation, gene deletion and doubling, introducing a
foreign gene, and changing the positions of genes. It shall
not include breeding, conjugation, fermentation,
hybridization, invitro fertilization, and tissue culture.
Green manure
- crop that is grown and then incorporated into the soil for the
purpose of soil improvement, prevention of erosion,
prevention of nutrient loss, mobilization and accumulation of
plant nutrients, and balancing soil organic matter. Green
manure may include spontaneous crops, plants, or weeds.
H

Habitat
- area over which a plant or animal species naturally exists.
Also used to indicate types of habitat (e.g. ocean, seashore,
riverbank, woodland, and grassland).
Herb
- plant that is not woody and with no persistent parts above
ground level.
High conservation value areas
- areas that have been identified as having outstanding and
critical importance due to their environmental, cultural,
socioeconomic, biodiversity, or landscape values.
Homeopathic
- treatment of disease based on administration of remedies
prepared through successive dilutions of a substance that in
higher concentration produces symptoms in healthy subjects
similar to those of the disease itself.
I -
In-conversion/conversion to organic
- labeling term that denotes produce and products of plant that
are obtained through production and/or processing in
accordance with organic agriculture in conversion period
intended to market as food.
Ingredient
- any substance, excluding a food additive, used in the
manufacture or preparation of a food and present in the final
product.
Inspection
- examination of food or systems for control of food, raw
materials, processing, and distribution, including inprocess
and finished product testing, in order to verify that they
conform to requirements. For organic food, inspection
includes the examination of the production and processing
system.
Ionizing radiation (irradiation)
- technology using high-energy emissions from radio-
nucleotides, such as gamma rays, x-rays, or accelerated
electrons, capable of altering a product’s molecular structure
for the purpose of controlling microbial contaminants,
pathogens, parasites, and pests in products (generally food),
preserving products, or inhibiting physiological processes
such as sprouting or ripening. Irradiation does not include
low-level radiation sources such as the use of X-rays for
foreign body detection.
Isolated nutrients
- individual and separate forms of nutrients.
L Synthetic
Labeling
- any written, printed, or graphic representation that is present
on the label of a product, accompanies the product, or is
displayed near the product at the point of sale, for the
purpose of promoting its sale or disposal.
M
Monoculture
- the practice of cultivating a single crop, plant, livestock,
breed in a field or a farming system.
O
Organic agriculture
- holistic production management system which promotes and
enhances agro-ecosystem health, including biodiversity,
biological cycles, and soil biological activity; emphasizes the
use of management practices over the use of off-farm inputs;
and utilizes cultural, biological, and mechanical methods as
opposed to synthetic materials. Organic agriculture
combines tradition, innovation, and science to benefit the
shared environment and promote fair relationships and a
good quality of life for all involved.
Organic integrity
- adherence to the principles, objectives, and standards for
organic production.
Organic management plan
- written plan for management of an organic crop, livestock,
wild harvesting, processing, handling, or grower group
operation which specifies the organic management system
used by the operation in order to comply with organic
standards and which has been agreed upon by both the
operator and the certification agent.
Organic produce
- any agricultural produce that is produced according to the
organic agriculture or gathered from nature, and/or handled
with post-harvest management.
Organic product
- product that has been produced or processed and handled in
compliance with organic standards.
P
Parallel production
simultaneous production, processing, or handling of organic
and non-organic (including transitional) crops, livestock,
and/or other agricultural products of the same or similar
(indistinguishable) varieties.
Perennial
- any crop, other than a biennial crop, that can be harvested
from the same planting for more than one crop year, or that
requires at least one year after planting before harvest.
Polyculture
- the practice of simultaneously cultivating multiple crops,
plants, livestock, breeds in a field or a farming system.
Processing aid
- any substance or material, not including apparatus or
utensils, and not consumed as a food ingredient by itself,
intentionally used in the processing of raw materials, foods,
or its ingredients, to fulfill a certain technical purpose during
treatment or processing and which may result in the non-
intentional, but unavoidable presence of residues or
derivatives in the final product.
S
Sanitizing
- any treatment that is effective in destroying or substantially
reducing the number of vegetative cells of microorganisms of
public health concern and other undesirable microorganisms.
Split production
- where only part of the farm or processing unit is certified as
organic. The remainder of the property can be (a) non-
organic, (b) in conversion, or (c) organic but not
certified.
- substance that is formulated or manufactured by a chemical
process or by a process that chemically changes a
substance extracted from naturally occurring plant, animal,
or mineral sources. Substances created by naturally
occurring biological processes are not considered synthetic.
W
Wild harvest
- plants or portions of plants, mushrooms, and honey that are
collected or harvested from defined sites which are
maintained in a natural state and are not cultivated or
otherwise managed.
Agriculture: From Hunter-Gatherers to Farmers
Agriculture is the art, science, and business of growing plants and
raising animals for the consumption and economic use of man
(Narvaez, 2005).
Agriculture provides food, fabrics, and other raw materials. Its invention
allowed us to go from hunting and foraging to pursuing activities such
as employment, education, etc. (National Geographic, n.d.).
The Green Revolution vs. The Organic Movement
Over the years, loss of arable soil, water contamination, pesticide
poisoning, and more environmental problems have forced people to
reflect on the use of agricultural lands.
More and more people realized the need to shift to a holistic food
production system – from one that focuses on farm productivity and
profit, to one that acknowledges the multiple facets of agriculture like
environment, health, sustainability, social justice, and indigenous
knowledge. We call this the “Organic Movement.”
The Organic Movement gained popularity in the ‘70s and ‘80s to
counter the ill effects of the “Green Revolution” which was then
presented as the key to food security for the growing population. The
“Green Revolution” was characterized by the adoption of new
technologies – high-yield varieties, irrigation, mechanization, and the
heavy use of agrochemicals and chemical fertilizers. While this greatly
increased food production, it brought challenges to ecology, health,
and social equity.
This lesson will describe and define organic agriculture. This will also
discuss the problems that organic agriculture is trying to address as
well as the ways you adopt the ways of organic agriculture on your own
farm.
Organic Agriculture as a Production System
Let’s take a look at these definitions of organic agriculture from
different institutions.
as defined by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations (2007)
- Organic agriculture is an integrated production management
system which promotes and enhances agroecosystem
health, including biodiversity, biological cycles and soil
biological activity
as defined by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture
Movements (2005)
- Organic Agriculture is a production system that sustains the
health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on
ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to
local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse
effects. Organic Agriculture combines tradition, innovation
and science to benefit the shared environment and promote
fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved.
As stated in the Philippine National Standards for Organic
Agriculture (DA-BAFS, 2016)
- 1.
- rganic Agriculture is a holistic production management
system which promotes and enhances agroecosystem
health, including biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil
biological activity; emphasizes the use of management
practices over the use of off-farm inputs; and utilizes cultural,
biological, and mechanical methods as opposed to synthetic
materials. Organic agriculture combines tradition, innovation,
and science to benefit the shared environment and promote
fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved.
While these definitions are phrased differently, the common themes in
their definition of organic agriculture are:
 Organic agriculture is a production system.
 It promotes and enhances the health of agroecosystems
including soil, biodiversity, and people.
 It relies on ecological/natural processes.
 It emphasizes management practices over the use of off-
farm inputs.
 It utilizes cultural, biological, and mechanical methods as
opposed to synthetic materials.
Principles of Organic Agriculture
According to the International Federation of Organic Agriculture
Movements (IFOAM)
Principle of Health
- Organic agriculture should sustain and enhance the health of
soil, plant, animal, human and planet as one and indivisible.
This principle underlines the importance of health in farm
ecosystems, not just the absence of illness but the physical,
mental, social and ecological well-being- from the smallest
microorganism to human beings. Organic agriculture should
produce nutritious food that is free from the use of
pesticides, animal drugs, and food additives.
Principles of Ecology
- Organic agriculture should be based on living ecological
systems and cycles, work with them, emulate them and help
sustain them. This principle states that organic agriculture
practices must be in tune with nature. Organic management
should be adapted to local conditions, not to conventional
methods of farming. Off farm inputs should be replaced by
recycling and reusing raw materials that are present in the
farm.
Principle of Fairness
- Organic agriculture should build on relationships that ensure
fairness with regard to the common environment and life
opportunities. The principle emphasizes the importance of
equity, respect, justice, and stewardship in organic
agriculture. Fairness must be ensured at all levels, among all
key players-farmers, workers, processors, distributors,
traders, and consumers. Animals should be provided with
conditions in accordance with their physiological needs and
natural behavior. Systems of production, distribution, and
trade should account for environmental and social costs.
Principle of Care
- Organic agriculture should be managed in a precautionary
and responsible manner to protect the health and well-being
of current and future generations and the environment.
Organic agriculture should unite science and indigenous
knowledge in the pursuit of appropriate technologies. It must
consider the values and needs of all who might be affected,
through participatory processes. Organic agriculture must
then be sustainable.
Organic Agriculture as a Sustainable Solution
Organic agriculture focuses on agricultural practices that are in
accordance with nature. In this way, food production is sustained for
longer and for future generations.
FAO identified Three (3) Dimensions of Sustainability in Organic
Agriculture
Economic Sustainability
Organic farms generate employment and livelihood in rural
areas. It is also a lucrative venture because it requires lower
input cost and does not require heavy mechanization,
specialized facilities, nor synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
Organic products also command higher prices than products
from commercial farms. The market for organic farm
products is also growing as more consumers become
conscious about the way their food is produced and which
businesses they are supporting.
Key phrases: economic security, economic
viability, added value, low investment, good and
constant yield, low external input
2. Social Sustainability
Organic agriculture respects traditional methods and
incorporates new technology only where and when
appropriate. There is no disconnect between the farmer and
the methods of production.
Social sustainability is ensured by practices that do not
result to the loss of arable soil which eventually results
to loss of livelihood. Organic agriculture improves food
security while ensuring
the income of the farmer.
 Key phrases: good working conditions, fair trade,
food supply, local needs, local culture, gender
balance, good taste and quality
3. Ecological Sustainability
Organic Agriculture presents ecological sustainability
through:
o Use of soil fertility management strategies such
as crop rotations and green manuring;
o Use of composting methods instead of chemical
fertilizers;
o Implementation of pest management strategies
instead of chemical pesticides;
o Producing natural farm inputs to support growth
of crops and animals;
o Providing animals with natural conditions to
support their physiological needs and natural
behavior.
Key phrases: ecosystem balance, no chemical
pollution, high soil fertility, clean water, biological
diversity, animal-friendly husbandry, conserve
natural resources
Models of Organic Agriculture
Before you start building your own organic farm, you must first
study the models with which you can pattern it. These models are
recognized in the industry and will help set your foot to the right
direction.
1. Integrated Diversified Organic Farming System (IDOFS)
Best summarized by the song “Bahay Kubo,” it is an approach to
farming that focuses on the functional diversity in a farm, rather
than monocultures. An IDOFS farm relies on the presence of
diverse crops, animals, and structures in the farm that
mutually benefit each other’s growths.
IDOFS adheres to the following principles:
• Biodiversity
• nutrient recycling system
• pest management
• adapted animal breed
• crop variety
• soil and water management
IDOFS prioritizes management practices over off-farm inputs.
2. Korean Natural Farming
Developed by an agricultural researcher named Cho Han-
kyu in the late 1960s. Korean Natural Farming is an
approach to agriculture that specializes in producing farm
input to improve plant growth. The fundamental principle is
that strengthening the biological aspects of the plant would
render no need for chemical intervention.
KNF utilizes indigenous micro-organisms (IMOs) such as
bacteria, fungi, nematodes, and protozoa to enhance
microbiological activity in the soil. These IMOs also “cleans”
the soil by outnumbering pathogens with “good bacteria.”
Aside from cultivating soil with IMOs, KNF also ferments
plant and animal material to help in plant defense and
nutrition, aid in animal digestion, and more. KNF can also be
applied to livestock management but its products mostly
address plant growth and soil fertility.
3. Permaculture
Permaculture, from the words “permanent” and “agriculture” an
approach- not limited to farming- that focuses on design
philosophy. David Holmgrem who coined the term, explains
it with a comparison: “Traditional agriculture was labor-
intensive, industrial agriculture is energy-intensive, and
permaculture designed systems are information and design
intensive.” Permaculture focuses on planning the system so
that the farm “grows on its own.” It studies the patterns in the
environment and designs the farm around that pattern working
with, rather than against nature.
4. Biodynamics
Biodynamics is an approach to farming, gardening, food and
nutrition that includes esoteric concepts.
Permaculture and biodynamics are often compared to each
other because they explore aspects beyond science. While
philosophy, biodynamics integrates scientific understanding
with spirituality and ethics.
Biodynamics also has a lot in common with other models of
organic agriculture. Biodiversity is given importance in
biodynamics. The use of animal manure and composts is
also encouraged. The production of farm inputs is prioritized
over outsourcing. What is unique to biodynamics however, is
that the processes of producing inputs are more similar to
rituals than fermentation.
Land preparations include burying a cow’s horn filled with
animals manure. Biodynamics considers stars and moon
phases in sowing seeds. There is no established advantage
for biodynamics. However, it has a cultural and spiritual
aspect which has gained its popularity. Biodynamics also
respects indigenous knowledge which bridges the divide
between man and science.
The Organic Agriculture Industry
One of Sun Tzu’s lessons in Art of War is to “Ponder and deliberate
before you make a move.” While starting an organic farm or choosing
to work in one is not as taxing as fighting a war, both need one thing in
common – strategy.
An aspiring organic farmer must have knowledge of the “battlefield” or
the industry that he/she wants to enter.
What are the subsectors in this industry?
What are the challenges and opportunities?
Where should I begin?
Careful examination of laws and ordinances are important too. When you start
your own farm, it wouldn’t be just about you and what you want for the
farm. There are laws and ordinances that will guide you in
operating your farm. These will help you distinguish what organic
agriculture is and what it is not. What are the operating guidelines?
What are the minimum requirements?
The Organic Movement was borne from the need to counter ill effects
of the Green Revolution, knowledge of the industry, laws that govern it
will help safeguard that purpose.
Industry Subsectors, Opportunities, Trends
Subsectors of Agriculture
In the Philippines, organic agriculture is still in its formative
years. Agricultural lands are being converted from conventional to
organic, and niche markets are still making headway. Part of starting
your career in organic farming is looking at the performance of the
different subsectors of agriculture. This way you will have an idea of
which subsectors are in demand or have rooms for opportunity.
1. Crop Production In the last 10 years, the performance of agriculture in the Philippines
has seen a decline. This is primarily attributed to fragmented land
The crop subsector in the Philippines is dominated by the following in ownership, harsh weather conditions, and lack of state support. In
terms of volume of production, value of production area planted/ 2018, agriculture only accounted for 24.3% of employment. Majority
harvested: are farm owners followed by wage and salary workers. Minority are
• Palay unpaid family workers.
• Corn
• Coconut Promising as it may be, organic agriculture faces limiting factors.
• Sugarcane Farmers lose productivity for the 1st few years of converting from
• Banana conventional to organic agriculture. In the Philippines, where farmers
• Pineapple do not earn much, this could mean that their families will go hungry.
• Cassava
• Mango Organic agriculture is also knowledge- intensive. Farmers would need
proper training and guidance in composting and making natural farm
Other major crops include: inputs.
• Coffee
• Tobacco Composting and creating your own inputs can be quite laborious, most
• Abaca farmers are used to buying readily available inorganic fertilizers.
• Mongo
• Sweet Potato Another challenge to creating farm inputs is the availability of materials
• Tomato such as copra meal, soybean mean, fish meal which are usually
• Garlic bought from agricultural suppliers.
• Onion
• Cabbage Another hindrance is the cost of organic farms which could range from
• Eggplant P42, 000 to P150, 000.
• Calamansi
• Rubber Opportunities in Organic Agriculture
These crops are commonly planted in monocultures, in different
regions across the country. Fragmented land ownership, harsh weather conditions, lack of state
support, and more problems have led Filipinos away from agriculture.
2. Livestock Production On the other hand, some have begun to convert to organic agriculture
because of the opportunities.
Livestock consists of carabao, cattle, hog, goat, and dairy. The highest
volume of production in metric tons is hog-raising. Cattle production Some farm operators have begun to convert to organic agriculture
comes second but only compares to 10% of the volume produced by because of the following:
hog-raising. Carabao and goat production come in third and fourth.
1. It does not require a large portion of land to reach an
The smallest contributor to livestock production is dairy which compare economy of scale;
to only 1% if the liveweight in hog raising. 2. It requires cheaper and less input compared to conventional
agriculture;
As of 2018, Central Luzon is the biggest producer of hogs in the 3. It makes the ecosystem around it better.
country. Northern Mindanao is the biggest producer of cattle. Western
Visayas produces the highest number of carabaos, and Ilocos Since the passing of the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010, government
produces the highest number of goats. support for organic agriculture increased. Subsidy for organic
certification has been made available through regional field offices
3. Poultry Production (RFOs) of the Department of Agriculture. More and more farm owners
begin to recognize the benefits and opportunities in organic agriculture.
Poultry is also considerably large sub-sector in the Philippines. It has a
stable demand and faster harvesting rate than livestock animals. There At present, there is strong consumer demand for organic produce. The
are two major animals in poultry production: chicken and ducks. These market will continue to grow as more and more people demand
poultry animals are producers of both meat and egg. practice that do not harm the environment.

As of 2018, Central Luzon is the biggest producer of chicken meat, Marketing channels in the form of digital applications and social media
duck meat, and duck eggs. have also surfaced. This improves market linkage for farmers, traders,
CALABARZON is the biggest producer of chicken eggs. and consumers.

Fisheries Another burgeoning sector is agri-tourism. Farms that allow tourists to

Fisheries is classified into three:
1. Commercial
2. Municipal
3. Aquaculture
Aquaculture accounts for the highest volume of production in 2018 It
includes fishponds, farm reservoirs, rice fish, and oysters, mussels,
seaweeds. The largest contributor to aquaculture is seaweed and the
biggest producer of seaweed is the Autonomous Region of Muslim
Mindanao (ARMM). Seaweeds are processed to become additives,
emulsifiers, and preservatives. A product from seaweed is gelatin.
Municipal fishing is the second largest producer in terms of metric tons
while commercial fishing is last.
CALABARZON is the biggest producer of freshwater catch.
Zamboanga Peninsula and SOCCSKSARGEN are the biggest
producers of saltwater catch.
Challenges in Organic Agriculture
visit and participate in farming activities have grown in number,
generating additional income and utilizing tourism as tool for marketing.
Other trends to explore include native animal raising, contour
farming, and compost pelleting.
Relevant Laws and Ordinances
- Organic Agriculture Act of 2010
- Philippine National Standards for Organic Agriculture
- Philippine National Standards for Organic Fertilizers
- National Organic Agriculture Program
- Good Animal Husbandry Practices
- Animal Welfare Act
- Zoning Ordinances
- Environmental Laws and Ordinances
Organic Agriculture Act of 2010
- Republic Act No. 10068 or the Organic Agriculture Act
of 2010 is a landmark legislation that institutionalized
the promotion, propagation, development, and
 implementation of the practice of organic agriculture
in the Philippines. Because of this RA, the National
Organic Agricultural Program was established. It is
headed by the National Organic Agricultural Board
and was declared an attached agency of the
Department of Agriculture.
Philippine National Standards for Organic Agriculture
Authored by the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries
Standards, this document details the minimum requirements
for organic agriculture. It has nine parts:
Part 1: Conversion to organic agriculture
Part 2: Crop production
Part 3: Livestock
Part 4: Beekeeping
Part 5: Processing
Part 6: Special Products
Part 7: Labeling and consumer information
Part 8: Traceability and record keeping
Part 9: Requirements for the inclusion of
substances for organic production
Philippine National Standards for Organic Fertilizer
Also authored by the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries
Standards, this document details the minimum requirements for
different classifications of organic soil amendments:
 Organic fertilizers
 Compost/ soil conditioner
 Mircrobial inoculant
 Organic plant supplement
It also includes recommended sampling methods, labeling
guidelines, and a list of allowable raw material for organic
production.
National Organic Agriculture Program
Even though RA 10068 was signed in 2010, NOAP was
finalized in 2012. Spearheaded by the National Organic
Agricultural Board, NOAP ran from 2012-2016
The NOAP has since converted hectares of agricultural land
to organic agriculture. NOAP established research,
development and extension (RDE) centers in all regions and
conducted trainings and radio programs NOAP also
distributed farm inputs and extended technology support
through facilities and machineries. As far as marketing goes,
NOAP built trading posts and conducted promotional events.
Continuing efforts of the NOAB include public consultations,
technical meetings, and National Organic Agriculture
Congress.
Good Animal Husbandry Practices
Authored by the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries
Standards, this document details the general principles,
good practices, and minimum requirements in rearing farm
animals. However, this Code on GAHP does not focus on
organic agriculture in particular. It applies to all systems of
production of farm animals.
Animal Welfare Act
Republic Act No 8485 or the Animal Welfare Act of 1998
states that the torture, neglect, maltreatment of any animal
shall be considered unlawful and violations will be punished
with the payment of fines and possible imprisonment.
This act also states that killing of animals other than cattle
pigs, goats, sheep, poultry, rabbits, carabaos, horses, deer
and crocodiles shall be considered unlawful. The exemption,
then, of these animals makes it
legal to raise them for production.
Zoning Ordinances
Zoning ordinances refer to documents released by national
and local government indicating guidelines for land use.
Consult with the local government unit (LGU) about their
Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs) and zoning
ordinances before putting up your farm.
An example of zoning ordinances is Resolution No. 674
Series of 2000 of the Housing and Land Use Regulatory
Board. The document specifies the requirements in the
application of locational clearances for poultry and piggery
operations.
Environmental Laws and Ordinances
Farms or agricultural lands are also bound by environmental laws:
1. RA 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management
Act of 2000
2. RA 9275 or the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004
3. RA 8764 of the Philippine Clean Air Act
Farms also have to comply with ordinances implemented by LGUs
Lesson 3
Farm Tools, Implement, and Equipment
The work of an agriculturist consists of a set of tasks too complex and
too straining for just two hands. In this lesson, you will be acquainted
with the different tools, implements, and equipment that can help you
simplify and speed up your work in the field.
Farm Tools
Farm tools vary in function and can be grouped into different
categories. Let's take a look at these tools and their categories!
 Hand sprinkler
- a tool resembling a pitcher it is used to water plots
and crops
 Shovel
- a tool with a broad flat blade and a handle, it is used
for digging, lifting, and moving bulk materials; it is
usually used for land preparation and composting.
 Digging bar
- a long, straight metal bar used for breaking up hard
soil.
 Digging blade
- a blade that resembles a knife, it is also used to
loosen up hard soil.
 Spading Fork
- a long, heavy garden fork, usually with four prongs, it
is used for loosening and turning over hard, compact
soil.
 Rake
- a long, gardening tool that resembles a spading fork
but is lighter in weight. Its prongs are attached to the
handle transversely. Like a broomstick, it is used to
gather leaves, hay, grass, etc.
 Hoe
- a gardening tool with a long handle and a thin, flat
blade. It is used for loosening soil, shaping plots,
weeding, and building trenches for irrigation.
  Hole Digger
- also called an auger, it is used to dig cylindrical holes
for planting seedlings of fruit or timber trees and for
setting posts.
 Pick Mattock
- A digging tool with a long handle and a head which is
a combination of a pointed metal and a transverse
blade.
 Step ladder
- a self- supporting portable ladder used for reaching
elevated structures.
 Broomstick
- a cleaning tool consisting of dried, stiff fibers attached
to a handle
 Tool storage
- could be a chest, cabinet, shed, or shelf where tools
are organized and stored for safekeeping.
 Seedling Bag/ Tray
- designed to hold multiple seeds during germination
until such time that the seeds are ready for
transplantation.
 Hand Trowel
- Small garden tool resembling a spade, it is use for
transplanting vegetables and removing weeds

Health and Safety Measures in Farm Operation

Accidents and Hazards

An accident is any unplanned and undesirable result of the contact of
a person or a structure with a hazard.

Hazard is a potential danger, which, if not eliminated or controlled can

result to death or injury, property damage, and other losses.

Four Types of Hazards

According to the Philippine Occupational Safety and Health Standards,
there are four types of hazards:

1. Chemical – skin absorption, eye contamination, ingestion,

inhalation, injection of harmful chemicals
2. Physical – noise, heat/cold stress, vibration, illumination,
pressure
3. Biological – any biological substance that pose a threat to
health
4. Ergonomic – mismatch between the worker and the
equipment or workstation which causes strain injuries and
long-term disabilities

How to Deal with Hazards

There are three approaches to dealing with hazards.

1. Engineering Control – ensuring safety at the design level,

examples:
2. Administrative Control – controlling the worker’s exposure to
hazards
3. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
 Medical Examination
 Increased breaks
 Reduced work hours in the contaminated areas

Personal Protective Equipment – last line of defense

As a requirement by the DOLE, depending on the risk level of a

business institution, safety officers must be trained and designated
to oversee and implement OSH programs.

In this lesson, you will learn how to ensure safety in the farm – from
hazard elimination to safety measures and emergency procedures to
personal protective equipment. Towards the end, you will tackle farm
waste management which is not only important in composting but also
in ensuring the health of your farm workers.

Just as you can ensure the integrity of all organic products in the farm,
so too can you maintain a
workplace that is safe.
  Identify focal persons among the employees.
o Head Count and Reporting
o Livestock
o Fire Extinguisher
o First Aiders
 Search and Rescue

Safe Handling of Tools, Implements, and Equipment

While natural disasters are out of human control, machines
and materials can be managed to uphold safety. Poor
handling of tools and equipment are one of the greatest
contributors to workplace injuries.

Safety Measures in Handling Tools

Farm Owner
Eliminating Hazards  Train your personnel in the proper use of tools.
 Provide PPEs in tip-top shape.
Ergonomic hazards can be eliminated or reduced by thoughtfully  Regularly inspect tools to check if repair or replacement is
planning the layout of the farm. Proper handling of tools and equipment needed.
during any activity will also prevent ergonomic hazards.  Quakeproof the storage area if possible.

Physical hazards can be eliminated or reduced by providing enough Farm Worker

breaks, resting shade, water supply, and protective equipment.  Use the right tool for the job. This will cost you less effort and
decrease the likelihood of an
Meanwhile, chemical and biological hazards can be eliminated or  accident.
reduced by regularly cleaning and sanitizing areas. Frequent hand-  Inspect your tools before using them. A loose handle can
washing and wearing protective equipment will also reduce risk of cause the blade to fly off, possibly
contamination.
 hitting you or another worker.
 Keep tools sharp and clean.
Most importantly, proper orientation of all farm workers on safety will
increase likelihood of safety in the farm.  Always wear PPEs.
 Always be mindful when handling tools.
The rule of thumb in ensuring safety is prevention  Handle cutting or pointed tools with extra care.
- eliminating and reducing hazards. However, in the  For tools powered by battery or electricity:
event of an accident, knowledge of emergency  Follow manufacturer’s instructions on how to use the tool.
procedures is also integral. o Inspect power lines and electrical circuits.
o Do not wear loose clothing, dangling objects or
An emergency procedure jewelries.
- is a set of actions undertaken in the event of an o Hair must be tied back.
accident or emergency. o Disconnect when not in use, before servicing and
cleaning, and when changing
We will discuss the following emergency procedures in this topic: o accessories.
1. First Aid o Keep water away from power tools.
2. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)  Regularly inspect tools to check if repair or replacement is
3. Fire Safety needed.
4. Evacuation  Label damaged tools with “Do Not Use”.
5. Emergency Preparedness
 Store tools properly.
Farm Emergency Procedures by the National Agricultural Safety
Database, USA
Safety Measures in Handling Implements and Equipment
Before a Disaster or Emergency
Farm Owner
 Know the warning signals.
 As much as possible, before even acquiring an implement or
 Stay alert for emergency broadcasts. equipment, check for guards that
 Prepare “Go-Bags” or emergency supply kit.  provide barrier between the operator and a hazardous part of
 Draw a map indicating the following the machine.
o designated assembly point  As much as possible, match the equipment with the
o buildings and structures operator.
o access routes o Arrange equipment in a way that lessens lifting and
o fences and gates travelling.
o locations of livestock o Consider work height.
o locations of all hazardous substances o Make the ON and OFF controls readily accessible.
o electrical shutoff locations o Allow workers to rest. An over-fatigued worker can
 Make an inventory of the following: endanger himself and the workplace.
o livestock  Provide proper safety training.
o crops  If possible, quakeproof the structure where you keep the
o tools and equipment equipment.
o hazardous substances
 Keep a list of emergency phone numbers. Farm Worker
 Stockpile supplies needed to protect the farm  Always wear prescribed PPE.
 Identify areas to relocate your assets.  Before operating an implement/equipment, do an inspection
 Prepare farm employees. or a circle check to look for leaks,
 Determine modes of communication before, during, and  broken parts, loose wiring, loose screws, and others.
after.
  Do not operate implement/equipment unless guards are in
place.
 Presence of mind is required when handling
implement/equipment.
 Do not operate an implement/equipment while intoxicated.

Farm Waste Management

Another health and safety measure is to manage farm waste properly.
There are at least two approaches that you can employ in your farm –
5S of Good Housekeeping and the 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

5S of Good Housekeeping
5S is a management approach for productivity and quality
that focuses on maintaining orderliness and cleanliness in
the workplace. 5S means:

1. Sort or Seiri – Distinguish between what is needed and not

needed.
2. Set in order or Seiton – Secure a place for everything and
everything should be in its place.
3. Shine or Seiso – Clean and look for ways to keep it clean
and organized.
4. Standardize or Seiketsu – Establish guidelines and
monitor.
5. Sustain or Shitsuke – Commit to a clean and organized
workplace and stick to a cleaning schedule.

Sort. Sort tools that need corrective maintenance, preventive

maintenance, or those in tip-top shape. Dispose irreparable tools.

Set in order. Set tools based on their classification: cutting,

cultivating, carpentry, labelling tools.

Shine. Perform preventive and corrective maintenance.

Standardize. Write strict guidelines and schedule for maintaining

good housekeeping in the tool room.

Sustain. Discipline the self to follow guidelines and schedule.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

The 3Rs have long been used in the management of waste

whether in households, workplace, or public places. Here’s
how you can apply them in your farm.

There are also specific wastes that need to be dealt with

beyond good housekeeping and recycling.

Apart from reducing, reusing, and recycling, trash bins must

be allocated for compostable, residual,special, and
recyclable wastes.

Farms produce various types of waste at different stages of

production. Some can be recycled into theproduction
process while some need special guidelines when disposing.