TRAINED AEWS, FARMERS TO BOOST ORGANIC AGRICULTURE IN BARMM

Agricultural Extension Workers and farmers in the Bangsamoro region underwent a ten-day training of trainers on the participatory guarantee system.

The activity started on November 11 to 20, 2023, at Zamboanga City, led by Dr. Eamael S. Satol, Chief Science Research, and Ms. Elvie Betonio, Science Research Specialist.

Chief Satol acknowledged the attendees with a welcoming greeting and urged them to pursue organic farming from now on and to encourage its growth by putting government-provided information and technologies into practice.

He said acquiring knowledge in organic agriculture means more than just knowing how to do things; it means developing a closer relationship with the land and honoring its cycles.

Every new piece of information from this training is a commitment to protect our region and ensure a sustainable future for our next generation, he added.

Mr. Elias N. Nayal, DA-ATI Region 9, and Mr. Johnny Pasaquian, DA-ATI Region 12, are the resource persons of the event.

During the ten days of training, the topics discussed were the Organic Act, Its Amendments and the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), Standards and the National List of Permitted Substances for Organic Agriculture, Establishment and Operation of PGS, Accreditation of Participatory Guarantee

System (PGS) Groups as Organic Certifying Bodies and Peer Review and Certification

Protocols.

Meanwhile, the participants had a field visit at Barangay Panubigan, Zamboanga City Eco Tiera Farm, for the actual practice of inspection.