In support of the Wakal Organic Farmers Association's quest for a Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Certification of the Core PGS Group and Accreditation as Organic Certifying Body (OCB), the Center extended its free services of providing technical services as resource person to the Training on Current Philippine National Standards on Organic Agriculture for Organization Members of Wakal Organic Farmers Association held on May 6-9, 2024 at Sito Wakal, Nawal, Bokod, Benguet with 39 total participants.
Again, the Wakal Organic Farmers Association (WOFA) sponsored a Training on the Current Philippine National Standards on Organic Agriculture in support of the groups' quest for Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Certification of the Core PGS Group and Accreditation as Organic Certifying Body (OCB). The training is a requirement under the PGS guideline towards certification and accreditation as OCB by BAFS. Also, due to the updating of the PNS on OA, the farmers seeking for certification must follow the current or new provisions and/or requirements set by BAFS under PNS/BAFS 2022 and 2023.
The topics discussed were the following:
- Organic Crop Production, Post-harvest and Processing - Code of Practice (PNS/BAFS 337:2022): Objectives, Scope, and Crop Production Management covering: Conversion to Organic Crop Production; Length of Crop Conversion Period; Maintenance of Organic Management; Split and Parallel Production; Contamination Management; Land, Soil Fertility, and Water Management; Choice of Crops and Varieties; Diversity in Crop Production; Pest, Diseases, and Weed Management)
- Organic Swine - Code of Practice (PNS/BAFS 371:2023): Its Objectives; Scope Normative References; Terms and Definitions; and Swine Production Management (coveringΒ the Conversion Period and Simultaneous Conversion; Husbandry Management; Breeds and Breeding, Nutrition and Fostering; Identification and Mutilation; Health Management; Biosecurity Measures; Ranging and Housing; Manure Management, Pest Management; Transport and Slaughter; Documentation; Packaging and Labeling)
- Organic Poultry- Code of Practice PNS/BAFS 370:2023): Its Objective and Scope; Normative References; Terms and Definitions; and Poultry Production ManagementΒ (Conversion Period and Simultaneous Conversion; Husbandry Management;Β BreedsΒ and Breeding;Β AnimalΒ Nutrition; Identification and Mutilation;Β Health; Biosecurity
- National List of Permitted Substances for Organic Agriculture (DC No. 09, Series of 2020)
- List and Tools, Equipment, Structures, and Documents required for PGS Certification and Accreditation
They were also assisted in drafting the Group's Internal Standards (IS) based on the current PNS discussed; Updating the Group's Manual of Operation (MOP), and the preparation of documents/records relative to their application for PGS certification.
As a recommendation, the ATI staff together with DA-RFO and PLGU-Benguet to provide continuous technical assistance and guidance to the PGS Group in the conduct of the trainings and other related activities. Also, monitor and provide needed assistance to the Group for the immediate availment of their certification and accreditation. Likewise, to encourage the PLGUs and MLGUs to be diligent and active in providing direct assistance to their constituents.// with reports from Mr. Edwin C. Dicksen
