Agric 1100-Module 3.3 - OA of 2010 and Careers in Agriculture

Introduction to Agriculture

  • Course: Agric 1100

  • Instructor: Carl Michael P. Lim

  • Institution: Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, Central Luzon State University

  • Certification: ISO 9001:2015 Certified

Republic Act No. 10068

  • Title: Organic Agriculture Act of 2010

  • Date Approved: April 6, 2010

  • Signatory: DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, known as the "Father of Organic Agriculture" in the Philippines.

Purpose of Republic Act No. 10068

  • Provides for the development and promotion of organic agriculture in the Philippines.

  • Aims to enhance soil fertility, increase productivity, reduce environmental pollution, conserve natural resources, safeguard public health, and reduce reliance on imported farm inputs.

Declaration of Policy

  • The State shall promote and propagate organic agriculture practices that enrich soil, enhance productivity, and safeguard health and environment.

Basic Principles of Organic Agriculture

  • Health: Focus on the health of soils, ecosystems, and people.

  • Ecology: Promote biodiversity and ecological balance.

  • Fairness: Ensure fairness in the relationships that sustain organic agriculture.

  • Care: Care for the planet and future generations.

Design of Organic Production Systems

  • Goals:

    1. Enhance biological diversity.

    2. Increase soil biological activity.

    3. Maintain long-term soil fertility.

    4. Recycle plant and animal waste to return nutrients to land.

    5. Rely on renewable resources in local agricultural systems.

    6. Minimize pollution of soil, water, and air.

    7. Develop and use biotechnology in agriculture.

    8. Careful processing of products to maintain organic integrity.

    9. Establish organic practices based on site-specific factors over time.

Coverage of Organic Agriculture

  • Policy formulation on regulation, registration, and certification.

  • Research, development, and extension of organic farming practices.

  • Promotion of organic farming facilities and equipment.

  • Implementation of programs and support services for farmers and stakeholders.

National Organic Agricultural Program (NOAP)

  • Promotes organic farming practices and education for farmers and consumers.

  • Extends assistance to local government units (LGUs), NGOs, and stakeholders in organic agriculture.

  • Focuses on research, capacity building, and documentation of organic agricultural programs.

Organic Agriculture Events

  • Theme: TH 9 Organic Agriculture.

  • Events include National Launching on November 10, 2023, and the Philippine Natural and Organic Products Expo (PNOPEX) from November 24-26, 2023.

Organic Agriculture Livelihood Projects

  • The Organic Agriculture Livelihood Project (OALP) offers grants to eligible organizations, targeting organic farmers to promote community-based enterprises and legitimate organic products in the market.

Organic Agriculture Area Statistics (2011-2016)

  • Total area for organic agriculture in the Philippines: 349,041.28 hectares out of 7,165,815.61 hectares of total agricultural area.

  • Distribution by regions includes:

    • Cordillera Administrative Region: 26,128.71 ha

    • Ilocos Region: 2,582.48 ha

    • Central Luzon: 39,466.81 ha

    • ...and others with varying hectares allocated for organic agriculture.

National Organic Agricultural Board (NOAB)

  • Comprised of members from various government departments and representatives from small farmers, NGOs, universities, and agribusiness firms.

Powers and Functions of NOAB

  • Formulate policies and oversee implementation of organic agriculture programs.

  • Identify funding sources and monitor programs for performance and incentives.

  • Facilitate international recognition for local certification of organic products.

  • Provide advice and training on organic agriculture practices.

  • Submit periodic reports to government authorities.

Appropriations

  • Initial funding of Php 50,000,000 allocated for the promotion of organic farming.

Careers in Agriculture

  • Agriculture offers diverse career opportunities beyond traditional farming, including:

    • Researchers

    • Food technologists

    • Agricultural statisticians

    • Farm managers and agri-consultants.

Professionalization of Agriculture

  • RA 8435 (Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act) requires agriculture graduates to take the Agriculturist Licensure Examination to enhance the profession's status.

BS Agriculture Program

  • Designed to prepare students for various roles in the agriculture sector, emphasizing sustainable practices and management skills.

  • An agriculturist should manage agricultural resources and provide scientific and policy advice.

Duties and Competencies of Agriculture Graduates

  • Core Skills:

    • Perform technical tasks creatively.

    • Analyze strengths, limitations, and opportunities in agriculture.

    • Develop strategic plans and manage agricultural resources effectively.

    • Advocate for agricultural policies and promote safety in technology use.

  • Cultivate teamwork, leadership, and ethical relationships within the agricultural community.

Major Fields Offered in Agriculture

  • Primary fields include Agricultural Economics, Animal Science, Crop Protection, Crop Science, Soil Science, and Agricultural Education.

Conclusion

  • Importance of organic agriculture is emphasized throughout the curriculum, highlighting its benefits to health, environment, and sustainable practices for future generations.