News
SEMINAR ON ORGANIC FARMING IN AUGUST
30-July-2007
The National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) in collaboration with the International Society for Southeast Asian Agricultural Sciences (ISSAAS) and the Benguet State University (BSU) is organizing a seminar on Organic Agriculture for Regional Scientists and Extensionists on August 3-4, 2007 at Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet.
The seminar funded by the NRCP Biological Sciences Division with a complementary logistical support from BSU and coordination by ISSAAS aims to promote organic farming as one potential program that will address the sustainability of farming systems in the Philippines. The seminar itself will be held on the first day while the second day will be devoted to a tour of organic farms in La Trinidad.
A whole range of topics will be discussed during the seminar by top scientists of the UPLB, BSU, PCARRD and DA led by Dr. Priscilla C. Sanchez, Chair, NRCP Biological Sciences Division and retired Professor of UPLB and Dr. Rogelio D. Colting, the President of BSU. The topics to be discussed include indigenous methods of organic and sustainable methods of production in the cordilleras, rapid composting, preparation of organic pesticides and herbicides, policy initiatives in support of organic farming, support programs by the Department of Agriculture, marketing and economics of organic products and certification systems for organic products among others.
The said seminar is also a kick-off activity of ISSAAS, Philippines, headed by Dr. Roberto F. Rañola, Jr. of UPLB for expanding its membership nationwide by organizing its first regional chapter, the Northern Luzon chapter which will be headed by Dr. Rogelio Colting. The induction of officers and new members will be held in the afternoon of August 3 after the organic farming seminar paper presentations.