LABORATORY EXERCISE NO.

2
Organic Agriculture Assessment
(1st SEMESTER YEAR 2024)

CASE STUDY ON THE FARM

In partial Fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of

Batchelor of Science in Agriculture

Submitted by:
Francis Adrian Quienes Lazaro
Princess Macauleene Reyes
Karl Louie Amian Azcueta
Mark John Shiaki Jomoc
Trisha Mae Bautista
Brix Andrei Valente
Hanz Gabriel Boque
Vhea Jane Bigsut
Izzy Domingo

Department of Agricultural Sciences

College of Agriculture, Food and Sustainable Development
MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY
City of Batac 2906 Ilocos Norte
November 2024
 Laboratory Exercise No. 2

Organic Agriculture Assessment

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study:

Organic farming has gained significant attention in recent years due to its

potential to address environmental concerns, improve food safety, and enhance

rural livelihoods. As a sustainable agricultural practice, organic farming seeks to

minimize the use of synthetic inputs, promote biodiversity, and foster ecological

balance.

Organic agriculture (OA) has changed unsustainable habits around the

globe by inspiring producers and consumers. Concerned organizations and

institutions are continuously working to meet the principles of health, ecology,

fairness, and care at the core of the organic philosophy (Arbenz et al. 2016). In

the Philippines, OA was given priority as one of the essential technologies and

farm practices to address current issues on sustainable agriculture,

environmental degradation, and climate change. Republic Act No. 10068 (more

commonly known as the Philippine Organic Agriculture Act) was enacted on 6

April 2010 to devote five percent (5%) of the agricultural land to organic farming

(del Rosario 2018). Despite the efforts of the Philippine government to promote

and adopt the technology, the OA adoption rate is still low. The Department of

Agriculture (DA) has set a target of 200,000 ha to be devoted to OA, equivalent

to five per cent (5%) of the estimated 4 million ha cropland (Pantoja et al. 2016).

However, the reported 17,156 ha of OA-managed land (0.17%) in 2017 by Willer

and Lernoud (2019) conveys that the situation is still far from reaching the

government target. Various challenges such as policy gaps, lack of production

support, promotion, and awareness activities, fragmented and inadequate

research and development, extension and capability building activities, and poor

market systems may have attributed to the low adoption rate of OA (del Rosario

2018; Pantoja et al. 2016).

The students agreed to select a local farm/agricultural area to investigate.

This report aims to investigate the system of Vintar, Ilocos Region,

Philippines, for organic farming by assessing its soil characteristics, climate

conditions, market demand, and potential challenges. By understanding the

unique factors influencing organic agriculture in this farm, this report will

contribute to the development of sustainable and resilient farming systems

and the farming transition to Organic Agriculture of the farm the student visited.

OBJECTIVES:

1. To understand the principles and concepts of organic agriculture

2. To analyze the suitability of a location for organic farming based on

various factors

3. To identify farm-related and climate-related challenges to organic

conversion
 DISCUSSION

The students choose to select a local farm which they select Boque’s

Farm to gather basic information about the farm which includes but is not

limited to:

1. geographical location (distance from the market, establishments near the

farm, etc.)

2. year established and years in the farming industry

3. prevalent climate pattern

4. topography

5. crops being cultivated or animals being raised

6. Common pests and diseases observed or encountered in the farm and

management practices employed

7. current farming practices employed in the farm

8. problems commonly experienced

9. Interventions received from government or non-government units with

regard to the promotion of organic agriculture

Description of the farm/project

The farm was owned by the Mr. Boque Family. It was established in 1996,

and a new way of farming was coined in 2005, adding Tilapia farming and farm

animals. The farm is in Brgy. Parut, Vintar, Ilocos Norte (Figure 1), and was first

recognized to supply mostly rice. The said farm has 12 workers and they are not

permanently only mang Sebastian who has been on the farm for more than a
decade. The farm also mitigates “Mixed farming” which they are raising both

Plants and Livestock as well as fish farming.

Information Gathered

Geographical location

a. Climate pattern and topography:

The map figure below provides a visual representation of the elevation and

terrain especially on the Buques Farm. It helps us understand the landscape's

characteristics, at we see on The farm we find that Buque’s Farm has an Average

Elevation: of 58 meters Minimum Elevation: of 9 meters and Maximum

Elevation: of 328 meters.

The Philippines has a tropical and maritime climate which composed

from:

 March to May ( Dry and Hot season)

 December to February (Cold and Abundant Rainfall)

 b. Distance to Facilities

(3.7 km Distance farm to Nearest Local Market “Vintar Market”)

(3.3 km Distance from Sun Rice Market )

Plants/Animals being Cultivated/Domesticated:

Plants:

1. Rice

2. Corn

3. Mung bean
 4. Kalabasa

5. Eggplant

Animals

1. Swine

2. Goat

3. Cattle

4. Poultry (Chicken)

5. Tilapia

Common pests and diseases:

This part includes the observation of the students' team and answers based

on the questions asked by the students from the workers.

Pest

1. Apple Snail

Golden apple snail, Pomacea canaliculata is widely regarded as the worst

invasive pest species. It normally destroys the young stems and leaves of paddy and

could consume 7-24 rice seedlings per day thus, resulting in extreme damage to the

rice growing area.

2. Fall Army Worm

They said that this pest also has been contributing to one of the most

destructive on the farm affecting many crops to stubble in their development stage.
 Diseases

1. Phomopsis blight

The students also recognize this disease in some of the eggplant crops which

causes the yield a devastating look, causing significant yield and quality losses.

(This figure shows the Eggplant seen by the students with PB)

2. Rice tunggo

The students also saw a common virus on rice fields which is the Rice Tungro

Virus

(The right corner on the last part the students see this RTV)
 3. African Swine Fever (ASF)

Mang Sebastian said African Swine Fever, is said to be the most destructive

disease that hit and that they encountered as one of their biggest losses of about 56

heads of pig affected and died.

Management practices employed:

In this part, the students assess management being employed on the farm

that maintains the availability consumption system for the farm to flow freely and

lively.

1. Type of farming

Mixed Farming

The system on the farm comes from the integration of farm animals, crops

and fish, where they occasionally use synthetic pesticides.

2. Water/Irrigation Management

Deep-well Irrigation Water Pump (DIWP)

It's important to manage water quality to maintain healthy plants and animals

as well, so they use the deep-well irrigation water pump system to give water to the

plants and animals.

3. Biosecurity Management

Because of the accruing of viruses and diseases, the implementation of

biosecurity protocols under the animal section on the farm is being implemented.

Fencing: fences can prevent unwanted visitors from entering the farm.

Footbath: a chemical used to prevent any accruing organism in the pedicle

of any footwear
 Sanitation: Chemicals are being watered and powered for sanitizing and

disinfecting vehicles.

4. Record Keeping

Record keeping is a vital part of farm management and can help with

planning, decision-making, and forecasting.

(Mr. Boque recording the rice sacks to be delivered)

Farming practices employed

This part includes the observation of the students' team and answers based

on the questions asked by the students from the owner and workers.

1. Shifting Cultivation Practice

 Whereas mang Sebastian said after cultivating a crop in the land they

abandon it for 4 months to allow the land to recover.

2. Crop Rotation Practices

Mang Sebastian also said that they are using Crop Rotation Practices where

they are changing the type of crops grown in the field each season or each year.

3. Mulching

The students also see that they are using Rice straws to cover their Corn

Plants and They are using a Mulching bag for the Kalabasa plants.

4. Give and take (Plant and Animal) Nourishment Practice

This practice uses both systems as an advantage to the near-group

a. Crop and Animal in ViceVersa

 The farm Crop residues are also used to feed animals like Pigs and Goats,

whereas the Manure of the animals is used to fertilize the soil on the fields.

b. Chicken Manure to Tilapia Ponds

 A lot of rumors that they are saying they are using manure to feed the

fish, although they are using the manure to fertilized the ponds in order to

increase nutrient levels and promote phytoplankton, consumed by the fish

 This is also not advised but for some reason to mitigate the extensive use

of synthetic inputs.

5. Using of Machines – to make tasks more efficient

 (Workers using machines)

Problems commonly experienced:

1. Heat causing problems

2. Tropical Cyclones

3. Some rice plants rarely sprout

4. Manpower

5. Deep-well irrigation water may lose its water sometime

Organic Agriculture Adoption Evaluation

 Based on the data collected, the students assess the farm, if it practices

organic farming in reference to the principles of OA (Principle of Health, Ecology,

Fairness and Care).

1. Principle of Health (YES)

 Because they are implementing (1.) Shifting cultivation by which

they are giving the soil to nourish its nutrients;

 Ana by Utilizing (2.) BioSecurity protocols to maintain the health

and overall well-being of the farm system.

2. Principle of Ecology (YES)

 Because the farm is ecologically friendly they are performing low

amounts of synthetic fertilizer/pesticide inputs, this is

in accordance with the owner.

 They are also maintaining sustainability by which they are using

manure to fertilize the soil and other practices that mitigate the

ecological systems and cycles.

3. Principle of Fairness (YES)

 This is due to the systems of production, distribution and trade of

the farm that are open and equitable

 And also to the animals that are being raised on the farm it

includes their needs but is not limited to;

 Feeding/feed

 Proper housing and flooring

 Activity (farrowing practices)

 Vaccines and vitamins

4. Principle of care (YES)

 This is because the farm emphasizes the importance of being

responsible and precautionary when they are managing agricultural

practices. They have care for their animals, plants, and as well as

their manpower in the field of farming.

Transition Plan
 Since the Boque farm is implementing/ and gradually implementing some of

the basic strategies and operations of Organic Agriculture, the said farm is

SUITABLE for transition converting to an Organic Farm.

The students then make a hypothetical transition plan.

STEP-BY-STEP PLAN

A) Understand the basics of organic agriculture and the organic farming

standards

Since organic production systems are knowledge based, new entrants and

transition producers like the Boque Farm must become familiar with sound and

sustainable agricultural practices. Transitional producers should be prepared to read

appropriate information, conduct their own trials and participate in formal and

informal training events. As mentioned, switching from conventional to organic

farming is more than substituting synthetic materials for organic materials.

B) Improving soil health

Boque’s Farm is good by this because they are raising livestock and Poultry

too, This may be useful for them Because they are also using the Manure of the

Animal as a fertilizer for the soil.

 They must make a composting Area at the back of the goat House

use the 20 meters ahead to make a (15 m2) Composting Area

with 2 compost pits.

 This will be used to dump organic waste materials and will

make compost fertilizer to be used in the soil gradually if needed.

C) Promoting Biodiversity

Since Buque farm is raising vegetable crops they should incorporate;

 1. Insect Homes

Create insect hotels using hollow stems, bamboo cones, and other materials

to provide nesting sites for solitary bees, wasps, and other beneficial insects. Since

the students have seen the farm there are lots of logs, and bamboo canes

surrounding some parts of the farm

This is not only for the pollinator insects but also for building a small house for

the beneficial insects as well. The students have noticed some beneficial insects on

the farm, like ladybugs, damselfly, and wasps.

2. Minimize Disturbance

The farm should also leave an area undisturbed to allow natural vegetation to

grow, those weeds can be used for composting and native plants also support a

diverse range of pollinators.

D) Addressing challenges

These Challenges are from the problems usually encountered by the Boque

Farm

1. Heat Stress

To mitigate the adverse effects of heat stress on crops, the farm can

implement several strategies. Planting shade-tolerant crops, using not just rice straw

but also other organic mulch to retain soil moisture, adopting efficient irrigation

techniques like drip irrigation, and cultivating heat-tolerant crop varieties can help

reduce heat stress and improve crop yields.

 2. Tropical Cyclones

To minimize the devastating impact of tropical cyclones the farm can diversify

their crop production, integrating trees into farming systems to create windbreaks,

utilize advanced early warning systems to prepare for storms, and develop

comprehensive disaster preparedness plans, including emergency response protocols

and insurance schemes since some capacity of the farm can supply a minimum fund

to make a profit fitting to the “Filipino Farmer Funds FFF” because this association

not only you can help but also they can help you with some strategies and other

resourceful things needed for your farm or farming.

3. Low Seed Germination

The Farm can improve seed germination rates, by treating seeds with

appropriate chemicals or biological agents, ensuring high-quality seeds, preparing

the soil properly by improving its fertility and drainage, and establishing seedling

nurseries to produce healthy seedlings for transplanting. The students see the farm

does not have a green farmhouse to support this part but they can.

4. Manpower Shortage

We also think the farm should also input some machinery that could help farm

activities without heavy or multiple allies to have. So they must invest in agricultural

machinery and equipment to mechanize farming operations, adopt labor-saving

technologies like precision agriculture, and provide training and education also so

their allies can improve their skills and knowledge.

5. Water Scarcity.
 Based on having a Deep-well irrigation water that sometimes loses its water,

they must implement rainwater harvesting techniques to collect and store rainwater

since the area is prone to rainfall in most months of the year, use efficient irrigation

methods like drip irrigation to minimize water loss, promote water conservation

practices like recycling wastewater and also reducing water use.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Conclusion
 The Buque farm's practices align strongly with the principles of Organic

Agriculture. The implementation of sustainable techniques like shifting cultivation

and biosecurity protocols demonstrates a commitment to soil health and disease

prevention. The reduced reliance on synthetic inputs and the use of organic fertilizers

promotes ecological balance and long-term soil fertility. The fair treatment of animals

and responsible agricultural management further solidify the farm's alignment with

organic principles.

Given these positive findings and the increasing demand for organic products

in the region and national input markets, the farm is well-positioned to transition to

fully organic farming. The farm's strategic location, being near major cities Laoag,

Vintar, Sarrat etc. and key markets, provides a significant advantage for distributing

organic produce and accessing a wider consumer base. This, coupled with the

growing consumer preference for sustainable and organic products, presents a

promising opportunity for the farm to thrive in the organic market.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Following these recommendations, students can gain a deeper understanding

of organic agriculture and develop the skills necessary to contribute to a more

sustainable future.

1. Conducting a long-term study to assess the environmental, social, and

economic impacts of organic farming practices on the farm and the

surrounding community.

2. Conduct a thorough market analysis to identify potential markets for organic

products and develop effective marketing strategies.

 3. Consumer education and awareness can be achieved by conducting or

investigating the consumers' life experiences as consumers.

DOCUMENTATIONS
 (Students Evaluating the

fishpond)

(Students assessing information

on the animal Part)

(Newly Harvested Rice Plant

and with the integration of animals)

LITERATURE CITED

Brief Background on Organic Agriculture | Home. (2021). da.gov.ph. Retrieved from

https://noap.da.gov.ph/brief-background-on-organic-agriculture/
Pollinator Conservation Specialist. (2024). On-farm habitat for beneficial insects

provides multiple benefits. Xerces Society. https://www.xerces.org/blog/on-

farm-habitat-for-beneficial-insects-provides-multiple-benefits

View all posts by Bob Whitney. (2024). Using Beneficial Insects in Organic Crop

Environments. Texas A&M AgriLife Organic.

https://agrilifeorganic.org/2024/06/17/using-beneficial-insects-in-organic-crop-

environments/

Ortega C., Pangilian V. - The Organic Research Centre. (2021). The Organic Research

Centre.https://www.organicresearchcentre.com/farming-organically/organic-

farm-management/

Vintar, Ilocos Norte, Philippines - City, Town and Village of the world. (2024). db-

city.com. https://en.db-city.com/en.db-city.com/Philippines--Ilocos-Norte--

Vintar

Vintar on the map of Philippines, location on the map, exact time. (2022).

maptons.com. https://zw.maptons.com/2920305

Goulburn Valley Sprinklers & Landscaping. (2022). 5 Types of Irrigation Systems |

Goulburn Valley Sprinklers & Landscaping. Goulburn Valley Sprinklers &

Landscaping. https://www.gvsprinklers.com.au/blog/5-types-irrigation-

systems/