Constraints to sustained adoption of organic farming and ramifications to community development in Occidental Mindoro, Philippines

Abstract

This study looks into a recurring issue that adoption of organic farming is problematic despite the Philippine government’s big investment on its massive promotion and notwithstanding of the technology’s potential for delivering economic, environmental, and social benefits. The study involved two major players—a private enterprise and an organic farmers’ association in organic farming. It argued that a private enterprise perceived to be resource-rich is likely to sustain adoption of organic farming compared to farmers belonging to the people’s organization. Mixed method and participatory data gathering techniques were employed. Both groups practiced organic farming techniques endorsed by the Philippine National Standards on Organic Agriculture. The private enterprise is engaged in the production of forest trees, fruits, vegetables, spices, rice, swine, and cattle. The farmers’ association is producing high value crops such as rice, onion, watermelon, and garlic. However, both have experienced some constraints categorized as political and regulatory that may prevent them from sustaining organic farming in the future. These constraints may hamper their desire to contribute to improving people’s well-being while ensuring the integrity and protection of the environment.