Ep. 18: New Organic Agriculture Law

The organic agriculture movement in the Philippines celebrated a significant event on 23 December 2020. It was on this day that the Republic Act 11511, or Amendments to Organic Agriculture (OA) Act of 2010, was signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte.

After almost a decade of dialogue and lobbying with the national government, PGS Pilipinas, the national network of participatory guarantee systems (PGS) practitioners, receives this news with elation. This is because finally an organic agriculture law was enacted that is inclusive and recognizes the role of small farmers in ensuring safe, affordable, and accessible food. 

With appropriate and suitable implementation, the law would primarily help build a sustainable food system, which is imperative during crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic. It is for this reason that PGS Pilipinas believes that the law must prioritize small farmers in their recognition and support, and must create a favorable environment to catalyze the adoption of organic agriculture.

The task of building a better, more sustainable future is at hand. The passing of the law is just a mere step, but it is certainly a step in the right direction. In the long run, empowering the small farmers’ sector through organic agriculture capacitation will help foster inclusive progress and rural development.