From September 10-12, 2024, farms across Davao del Norte hosted a pre-assessment for farmers working toward certification under the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS). The assessment focused on eligible farmers who had completed the Training of Trainers in PGS and are now forming Certified PGS Groups. These groups consist of farmers, consumers, and other stakeholders committed to organic farming.
The pre-assessment took place at several farms: Micoโs Nature Farm, M4 Granja Farm, and Palayamanan in Braulio E. Dujali on September 10; Zema Organic Farm in Tagum City and MEA Natural Farm in New Corella on September 11; and UmaVerde Farm Learning Center and ARC Agri-Venture in Kapalong on September 12. The farms were visited to check compliance with organic farming standards set by the Department of Agriculture (DA).
The assessment was led by the Regional Pre-Assessment Team (RPAT), which included representatives from DA-RFO XI, the Agricultural Training Institute Regional Training Center XI (ATI-RTC XI), and the Provincial LGU. Using checklists from the Philippine National Standards (PNS) and the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS), the team evaluated each farmโs adherence to organic practices.
This pre-assessment gave farmers a chance to address any issues before moving on to the final certification stages. Feedback from the assessment helps them make improvements and prepare for the national-level assessment.
After the regional pre-assessment, a national assessment with BAFS representatives will follow. This final review will bring the farmers closer to achieving full PGS certification.
This process, supported by the Agricultural Training Institute Regional Training Center XI, is key to advancing organic farming in the region. It ensures that farmers meet the required standards and promotes sustainable agriculture practices.
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Contributor: Ariel Abastillas
