Benguet – The Department of Agriculture’s Cordillera Administrative Region (DA-CAR) office praised the increasing number of Benguet farmers adhering to Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and engaging in organic farming. In an interview during the 18th annual agri-tourism Adivay festival, DA-CAR regional director Jennilyn Dawayan reported a significant rise in GAP-compliant farms in the province. As of November 2, this year, the number of GAP-compliant farms has escalated to 344, a substantial increase from just 50 in 2019.
According to Philippines News Agency, Dawayan, a native of Buguias town in Benguet, explained the efforts made since 2016 to promote GAP among local farmers. The initiative encourages them to adopt these practices and seek free certification. Buguias, renowned for its substantial vegetable production, contributes significantly to the dish ‘chopsuey,’ a popular stir-fried mixed vegetable dish. Dawayan assured the safety of the vegetables produced in the region, emphasizing that Cordillera fulfills 85 percent of the country’s semi-temperate vegetable requirements. Benguet, a highly agricultural province, accounts for about 70 percent of the region’s total vegetable production.
Despite the growth in GAP-certified farmers, Dawayan acknowledged that the numbers are relatively small compared to other regions. However, Benguet stands out within the Cordillera Administrative Region. The DA-CAR also aims to increase the number of stakeholders engaged in organic farming, particularly for crops consumed raw. The DA operates a laboratory to monitor the pesticide content in vegetables, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
Dawayan highlighted a shift among some farmers towards organic production, with the municipality of Tublay in Benguet being the first in the country to hold a Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) certification. PGS represents a locally focused quality assurance system that certifies producers based on active participation and knowledge exchange among stakeholders. The regional director also noted the opening of several agri-tourism sites in the region, supporting the DA’s focus on food sustainability and the tourism department’s initiative to introduce new tourist destinations. Dawayan concluded by emphasizing the high demand for organically-produced food, suggesting a potential market avenue for farmers.