| Philippines: THE 6th Negros Island Organic Farmers Festival draws 4,500 participants Source: sunstar.com.ph THE 6th Negros Island Organic Farmers Festival held from December 16 to 20 at the Provincial Capitol Grounds in Bacolod City was a big success, with the participation of 4,503 officially registered participants This is the biggest number so far since the festival started in 2006, organizers said. This does not include yet the non-registered participants and walk-in customers. A total of 117 exhibitors participated in the trading of a wide variety of organic products that generated a total sale of P2,056,000 while P40,000 was raised from booth rentals. Almost 2,000 participants, mostly farmers, joined the different symposia on organic farming technologies, solid waste management, organic agriculture public policies, market linkages, and health and wellness. Another activity that added impact to the festival was the CookFest participated in by 26 top chefs and restaurateurs who demonstrated various culinary ways of cooking organic foods and beverages. The cooking demonstration was watched by more than 300 participants. The contest on organic cooking from aspiring young cooks also drew positive response, said the organizers. During the festival, chefs and restaurateurs met with local farmers and fisher folk at an activity called “Market Matching” facilitated by the Department of Trade and Industry. The event forged a strong partnership between them in terms of supplying local and organic ingredients. Moreover, 66 participated in the 1st Organic Negrense Quiz Bee (for high school and college students) and Organic Quest (for farmers, fisherfolk and agriculture workers). The quiz bee also spurred the interest of the academe to include organic agriculture in their curriculum, as mandated in Republic Act 10068 or the Organic Agriculture Law. Cash awards were given to the winners, while the Philippine Crop Insurance Company gave P154,000 worth of crop insurance to the farmers. A total of 240 families benefited from the Pamunit sa Lagoon conducted for two consecutive days, generating a total tilapia catch of 286 kilos costing P14,000. Organizers said they were able to realize their objectives, one of which was to strengthen the bond among stakeholders on organic agriculture in Negros Island as an example of a true public-private partnership. The festival showcased various organic and chemical-free products of the different non-government organizations, people’s organizations, farmer organizations, local government units and private companies. The activity is aimed to enrich the knowledge of the participants on the different organic farming technologies and practices and its applications through a series of symposia. All in all, the organic festival earned positive feedback from the general public, whose level of awareness of the organic agriculture was raised to a higher level. Guests, including foreigners, lauded the wide range of organic products at the exhibit and trade fair. The farmers said they appreciated the festival for being given the chance to sell their products directly to consumers. Tip: OrganicPortal India - Organic Agriculture 29.12.2011 TOP 3 most read news: “Made with 20 percent organic fibers from Burkina Faso,” - Victoria’s Secret Revealed in Child Picking Burkina Faso Cotton Besuchen Sie OrganicPortal Newsroom Deutschland
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News - Philippines: THE 6th Negros Island Organic Farmers Festival draws 4,500 participants
Written by Niels Thrap
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