BIBLIOGRAPHY GALIAN, JONATHAN A., ...
BIBLIOGRAPHY
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013. “Assessment on the Acceptability of
Organic Farming in Sablan”, Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Adviser: Evangeline B. Cungihan, MSc.
ABSTRACT
This study was conducted for the following objectives: to determine the farmers’ awareness
on organic farming in the place; to determine whether organic farming is acceptable in the
place; to identify the reasons of farmers of practicing organic farming; and, to identify the
reasons of farmers of not practicing organic farming in the area.
One hundred twenty (120) respondents were interviewed randomly using a
questionnaire and through personal interview. Data gathered were organized and subjected
to statistical computation using frequency and percentage.
As to the awareness of farmers in Sablan about organic farming almost all of the
respondents were aware of organic farming and the source of their information was through
the radio. Organic farming was also acceptable to the farmers of Sablan but with different
levels of acceptability, seventeen (17) claimed that organic farming was strongly
acceptable to them; ninety six respondents (96) acceptable and only seven respondents
(7) claimed that organic farming is not acceptable to them. Although organic farming was
acceptable to the farmers of Sablan, most of them were not practicing. The reasons of some
farmers for practicing organic farming were: beneficial to health, lesser capital, higher
price, better quality, successful experiment, and good effects to the environment. As to the
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
reasons for not practicing or not adapting organic farming, they mentioned the following:
have inadequate knowledge, limited market outlet, and it takes time to revive the fertility
of the soil.
From the result of this study, it is recommended that since organic farming is
acceptable to the farmers of Sablan, government and other concerned agencies must
provide all of their needs especially seminars and trainings to be conducted in their locality.
Furthermore, affordable credit should also be provided and more market outlets for the
organic vegetable products.
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
INTRODUCTION
Rationale
Vegetable production has remained as the major source of income of highland
farmers, particularly in the province of Benguet and Mountain Province. In the Philippines,
the early rice and vegetable farmers were basically organic farmers. Indigenous methods
were adapted as well as cultural tradition such as thanksgiving harvest and “bayanihan”
and other farming activities were strongly linked with religious and indigenous practices
of the rural folks. With the emergence of the Green Revolution, farmers turned their back
to organic farming in exchange for higher productivity (Pablo, 2004).
To be a successful organic farmer, the farmer must not see every insect as a pest,
every plant out of place as a weed and the solution to every problem in an artificial chemical
spray. The aim is not to eradicate all pest and weeds, but to keep down to an acceptable
level and make the most from the benefits that they may provide (Rodale, 1971).
Organic production takes into account the minimum reliance on artificial inputs, feeding
of soil and not the plants, food safety practices, non-use of hazardous chemicals, non-use
of artificial growth applied in vegetable and non-use of genetically modified organisms. It
also promotes biodiversity if the use pesticide and chemicals fertilizer are minimized if not
avoided (Adonis et al., 2005).
Benefits of eating organically grown vegetables are evident. Their greatest strength
lies in minerals and vitamin content though many have appropriate percentage of dietary
fiber, and practically have high water content. The nutritional values of organic vegetables
are also good source of protein and minerals. It contain C, K, P (Pro-vitamin A) as well as
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
B vitamins. In the case of organic vegetables grown in the Cordillera Region, it was found
out that the produced are not only tastier but have nutritional value higher than
conventionally grown vegetables (Almonte, 2006).
Sablan is a 5th class municipality in the province of Benguet. Situated on the Midwestern
side of Benguet Province, it is bounded on the north by the Municipality of Burgos, La
Union and Municipality of Kapangan, Benguet; on the east by the Municipalities of La
Trinidad and Tublay, Benguet; on the south by the City of Baguio and the Municipality
of Tuba, Benguet; on the west.
The area of Sablan is estimated at 91.68 sq.km or roughly 9,168 hectares with a population
of 9,652 people in 1,873 households according to the 2000 census. The area of Sablan
roughly constitutes 3.45 percent of the land area of the Province of Benguet.
The name "Sablan" got its name from a tree called "SABDANG" that grew abundantly
along and around the Sablan River which was found by early settlers who migrated to the
place. The Sabdang tree blooms with its beautiful red bright colored flowers during the
summer season. The tree grows up to fifty feet tall with many branches. During the Month
of February, it bears fiery red flowers, buds open and the leaves start to fall. When the
trees are in full bloom, it appears as though it has no leaves but all flowers which make it
even more distinctively beautiful among all trees.
There are no original settlers in this municipality besides the immigrants from Bantay
Dose (now called San Pascual in Tuba, Benguet) Kabayan, Bokod, La Trinidad, Atok,
and other neighboring towns, mostly Ibalois. Only in the latter part of 1970's that Ilocanos
and other lowlanders migrated to Sablan.
Sablan is politically subdivided into 8 barangays.
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
How to get here:
The municipality can be reached thru the national road which connects it to the Province
of La Union and Benguet and the City of Baguio making it accessible to all kinds of
vehicle except for the two barangays of Bagong and Balluay, which are accessible only
by foot.
Sablan serves as the watershed of major river systems in Luzon where one-mini-hydro is
located.
The climate of Sablan is comparable to the climate of Benguet which is classified under
two pronounce seasons. The dry season is from December to April while the rainy season
is from May to November. The average rainfall of Benguet is 176.73 inches. The driest
month is February and the wettest month is August followed by the month of July.
The climate of the place as well as the tourist attraction has been contributing to the
economic development of the place. Established organic farms in Baguio and other places
has now become a part of agrotourism. An assessment of the acceptability of organic
farming in Sablan would provide basis for policies that would encourage farmers to go
into organic farming.
Statement of the Problem
This study on Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan, Benguet
aimed to seek the answers to the following questions:
1. Are the farmers of the selected Barangays of Sablan aware of organic farming?
2. Is organic farming acceptable in the place?
3. What are the reasons for adopting organic farming?
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
4. What are the reasons why farmers don’t practice organic farming?
Objectives of the Study
The following were the objectives of the study:
1. to determine the farmers’ awareness on organic farming in that place;
2. to determine whether organic farming is acceptable in the place;
3. to identify the reasons of farmers of practicing organic farming in the area; and,
4. to find out the reasons of farmers of not practicing organic farming in the area.
Importance of the Study
The study would provide the needed information to determine the acceptability of organic
farming in Sablan, Benguet.
The study would serve as a way for students to understand more about organic farming.
Furthermore, the study would serve as reference for students who would conduct similar
studies in the future.
The study would also be helpful to researchers. This would serve as a source of information
for the researchers who are engage in the same study.
Study would help the policy makers to determine if organic farming is acceptable in the
said area. In addition, this would help the farmers to know the importance of organic
farming.
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
Scope and Limitation of the Study
The study was conducted in the selected barangays of Sablan, Benguet. The study focused
on the awareness and acceptability of organic farming in the area.
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
History of Organic Farming
Organic farming is not a new practice in agriculture as it was being practiced since
ages. Before the advent of chemical fertilizer and pesticides whatever was being grown can
be called as an organic. However the official credit of fathering Indian organic farming
goes to Albert Howard, an agronomist stationed at Indore in 1931 along with Yashwant
Bal.
Classic organic production research during the 1960’s and 1970’s at America’s land
grant colleges revealed the importance of philosophy. The Ph. D’s took test plots that for
decades had been subjected to all sort range of compound, including DDT and planted
corn. On some, they added chemical fertilizers, pesticides and etc. those they called the
conventional chemically fertilized plots. At the end of the season, they measured the
production from two plots and found that the organic one’s did not do well. These
conclusions were replicated and promulgated all around the world to prove the
unacceptability of organic farming (Deshmukh, 2010).
The organic movement began in the 1930’s and 1940’s as a reaction to agriculture’s
growing reliance on synthetic. Artificial fertilizers had been created during the 18th century,
initially with super phosphates and then ammonia derived fertilizers mass produced using
the Haber-Bosch process developed during World War I. These early fertilizers were
cheap, powerful, and easy to transport in bulk. The 1940’s has been referred to as the
pesticide era. Sir Albert Howard is widely considered to be the father of organic farming.
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
Rudolf Steiner, an Australian philosopher, made important strides in the earliest organic
theory with his biodynamic agriculture.
Organic farming techniques were pioneered in the early twentieth century by small
groups of farmers concerned about the effects of mechanization, fertilizer use and other
forms of intensification on the biological health of the soil (Halpin et. al., 2006).
Farming
Farming is a man’s skill, in which players grow crops using seeds and harvest useful
items from them, or more commonly harvest the plant itself. The crops grown range from
the standard staples of vegetables, fruits and fruit trees, herbs, to more exotic and usual
crops such as wood bearing trees, cacti, and mushrooms. The harvested items have wide
range of uses, but are mostly used to train herb lure or cooking, or simply eaten as food.
Many players sell their harvest for a significant profit( Briggs, 2008).
Organic Farms
The term organic is best thought of as referring not to the type of inputs used, but
to the concept of the farm as an organism, in which all the components such as soil
minerals, organic matter, microorganisms, insect, plants and humans interact to create a
coherent self-regulating and stable whole. Reliance on external inputs, whether chemical
or organic, is reduced as far as possible (Anonymous, 2005).
As cited by Pablo (2004), organic is not new in the country and a number of technologies
and strategies have been well studied and adopted in some areas of Benguet already. In
fact, a number of specialized farms have been stabilized and profitably growing organic
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
vegetables and other crops and livestock. However there is no package of technology in
organic farming for farmers to use or to refer to.
Organic Farming
Organic farming is a system devoid of the use of any chemical or genetically
modified inputs, in which the biological potential of the soil, organic sources and
underground water resources are conserved and protected by adopting suitable, cropping
pattern including agro-forestry and methods of organic replenishment.
The US Department of Agriculture defines organic farming as a system that is designed to
produce agricultural products by the use of method and substances that maintain the
integrity of organic agricultural products until they reach the consumer. Organic farming
is a method of crop and livestock production that involves much more than choosing not
to use pesticides. Fertilizers, genetically modified organisms, antibiotics, and growth
hormones that are not permitted by organic standards.
Organic farming literary means raising of crops with organic manure without the
use of synthetic chemicals. USDA has defined organic farming as a production system,
which avoids or largely excludes the use of synthetically compounded fertilizers,
pesticides, growth regulators and livestock feed additives. Food and Agriculture
organization’s Codex definition (Nanda et al., 2003 as cited by Deshmukh, 2010) organic
agriculture is holistic agro-ecosystem health, includes biodiversity, biological cycle and
soil biological activity.
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
Bhattacharya (2004) as cited by Deshmukh (2010), mentioned that organic farming relies
on crop rotation, crop residues, animal manure, legumes, and green manure, off farming,
organic waste and aspects of biological control.
Organic agriculture is a holistic production management system which promotes
and enhances agro-ecosystem health including biodiversity, biological cycles and soil
biological activity. It emphasises the use of management practices in preference to the use
of off-farm inputs, taking into account that regional conditions require locally adapted
systems. This is accomplished by using, were possible, agronomic, biological, and
mechanical methods, as opposed to using synthetic materials, to fulfil any specific
functions with the system (Kristiansen, 2006).
Organic farming does not mean going back to traditional methods. Many of the
farming methods used in the past are still useful today. Organic farming takes the pest of
this and combines them with modern scientific knowledge. Organic farmers do not leave
their farms to be taken over by nature; they use all the knowledge, techniques and materials
available to work with nature. In this way, the farmer creates a healthy balance between
natures and farming, where crops and animals can grow can thrive (Rodale, 1971).
Difference Between Conventional and Organic Production
Kim (2006) cited differences between organic and conventional methods of
farming. Conventional farming makes use of commercially produced fertilizers and other
synthetic chemicals while organic farming makes use of limited thermal, biological, and
chemical intervention. Because of this, long-term fertility of soil is more protected in
organic farming than in conventional farming. Moreover, Kim pointed out that organic
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
farming practitioners gain more profit than conventional farmers because of lower cost of
farm inputs.
Significance of Producing Organic Vegetable
According to De La Cruz (2004), crops that were applied with organic fertilizer performed
better compared to those crops that were grown with commercial fertilizer. The slow
release of nutrients from animal manure minimizes the nutrient losses in the soil resulting
to the efficient nutrient uptake of crops that leads to higher yields. Organic farming also
serves as a valuable conditioner of soil retaining humidity and improving, structure and
internal drainage. Organic farming system replenishes and maintains soil fertility,
eliminate the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers, and build biologically
diverse agriculture.
Advantages of Organic Farming
The most important of the advantages of organic farming is that it maintains the life
of the soil, not only for the current generation, but also for the future generation. Water
pollution is reduced with organic farming. Most of the times after rains, the water from the
fields, which contains chemical, get drained into the rivers. This pollutes the water bodies.
In organic farming, since no chemicals or synthetics are used, water pollution reduces as
well.
Organic farming helps in building richer soils. Rich soil is obtained by the
intelligently rotating crops. The rich soil helps in plant growth. The rate of soil erosion is
reduced drastically. A French study has revealed that the nutritional quality and micro-
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
nutrients are present in higher quantities in organically produced crops. The micro-
nutrients promote health.
Organically grown food tastes better too. The overall cost of cultivating the crops
reduces as the farmers use green manure or worm farming to replenish the lost nutrients of
the soil. The other option that the farmers use is to grow legumes in rotation with other
crops.
Disadvantages of Organic Farming
Along with the pros of organic farming, there are certain cons too. One
disadvantage is that it has low productivity. With the highly developed chemicals and
machinery, the farmer is able to multiply his harvest manifold times. The organic farmers
use the cultivation method as opposed to drilling method used by the traditional farmers.
The cultivated soil is prone to wind and water erosion. The traditional farmers don’t know
that direct drilling does not cause any disharmony in soil structure. The organically
produced food is also expensive. The cost is very often 50-100% more than the traditional
food and lastly, organic food is not always available in the market (Anonymous 2005).
Benefits of Organic Foods
Organic farming emphasizes the use of renewable resources. One of the common
benefits proclaimed about organic food is that it taste better, but there are many other
benefits to incorporating organic foods into diet (Anonymous, 2003).
Health benefits. Organic foods prevent people from ingesting regular amounts of
pesticide commonly found in commercial products. Animals are not routinely given
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
antibiotics and other medications which enter the food supply to human. Some research
suggests that this excessive use of chemical in food can be linked to increased health
problems and with the healthy development of the children. Organic food significantly
lowers the organic phosphorous pesticides.
Environmental benefits. Organic food also protects the planet. It ensures that the
biodiversity remains available in the food we eat and the wildlife that live on the farms.
Fruits and vegetables are naturally available in hundreds of varieties. Organic farms grow
a mix of crops and promote a balanced ecosystem including parasites and predators that
protect crops from pest and worms and other microorganisms which enrich the soil.
Human and animal benefits. Organic food products reduce exposure to pesticides.
Organic farming is considered sustainable farming. The workers and the animals are not as
exposed to dangerous toxins or working and living conditions. This enables people to
continue growing healthy foods for the rest of society without reliance on huge machinery
and chemicals. The animals raised on organic farm are not subject to the terrible living
conditions imposed on commercially reared animals that often live in exceedingly small
spaces without a freedom of movement. These unhealthy conditions lead to a spreading of
illness which is combated with regular doses of antibiotics.
Organic sustainable farming protects humans, animals and the environment.
Increasing the demand for organic farming and ensure that the food supply available to the
children is a healthy one.
Nutritional Value and Taste
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
According to the UK's Food Standards Agency, "Consumers may choose to buy organic
fruit, vegetables and meat because they believe them to be more nutritious than other food.
However, the balance of current scientific evidence does not support this view. A 12-month
systematic review commissioned by the FSA in 2009 and conducted at the London School
of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine based on 50 years' worth of collected evidence concluded
that "there is no good evidence that consumption of organic food is beneficial to health in
relation to nutrient content. Other studies have found no proof that organic food offers
greater nutritional values, more consumer safety or any distinguishable difference in
taste. A review of nutrition claims showed that organic food proponents are unreliable
information sources which harm consumers, and that consumers are wasting their money
if they buy organic food believing that it contains better nutrients. Minor differences
in ascorbic acid, protein concentration and several micronutrients have been identified
between organic and conventional foods, but it doesn't appear that these have any impact
on human health.
Implications of Organic Farming
Principles outlined by IFOAM for organic farming plead for maintenance of environment
and avoidance of all those practices that spread any kind of pollution. Production standards
and economic feasibilities are also included as key issues so that it is accepted by farmers.
Soil health. Organic farming cares more for soil than crop. Addition of manures to soil is
scheduled according soil needs. Build up soil organic matter increases, bringing stability
in soil pH and enhancement in organic carbon which is essential for good soil and
biological environment (Clark et al., 1998 as cited by Deshmukh, 2010).Nutrient
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
transformation processes are accelerated upon addition of organic manures (Stockdale et
al.,2001 as cited by Deshmukh, 2010). Physical properties of soil were enhanced in terms
of porosity aggregation stability, soil aeration, nutrient retention and water holding
capacity.
Water pollution. Prohibition of synthetic pesticides in organic farming eliminates risk of
contaminating water compared to intensive/conventional agriculture. In livestock
production use of antibiotics, feed additives are not permitted which reduced risk factor
over conventional livestock system.
Air pollution. The following observations reveal superiority of organic farming over
conventional are in case of air pollution. a.) Carbon dioxide emissions are generally lower
in organic farming systems. It is due to prevention of chemical use. b.) Nitrogen surplus
are low in organic system and indicate lower potential for gaseous nitrogen emissions. c.)
Organic farming helps in reducing air pollution as it permits use of many off farm waste
which otherwise may result in air, and water and pollution.
Biodiversity Conservation
Influence of organic farming is especially favourable for weeds, insects, birds,
wildlife, soil flora as well as fauna. Eco-friendly weed control measures provide livelihood
rights too many untargeted plants. Bird numbers and species show more diversity on
organic farm.
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
Economics of Organic Farming
The economics of organic farming, a subfield of organic agriculture economies
encompasses the entire process and effect of organic farming in terms of human society
including social cost, opportunity cost, unintended consequences, information
asymmetries, and economics of scale. Although the scope of economics is broad,
agricultural economics tend to focus on maximizing yields and efficiency at the farm level.
Economics takes an anthropocentric approach to the value of the natural world;
biodiversity, for example is considered beneficially only to the extent that is valued by
people and increase profits. Some entities such as the European Union subsidize organic
farming in large part because these countries want to account for the externalities of
reduced water use, reduced water contamination, reduced soil erosion, reduced carbon
emission, increase biodiversity, and assorted other benefits that result of organic farming.
Traditional organic farming is labor and knowledge intensive whereas conventional
farming is capital intensive, requiring more energy and manufactured inputs.
Growth. As of 2001 the estimated total market value of certified organic products was
estimated to be $20 billion. By 2002 this was $23 billion and by 2005 $33 billion with
organic monitor projecting sales of $40 billion in 2006 (Anonymous, 2003). The change
from to 2005 represents a compound growth of 10.6%.
In recent years both Europe and North America have experience strong growth in
organic farmland. Each added half a million hectares from 2004 to 2007 for the US this is
29% change . However, this growth has occurred under different conditions. While the
European Union has shifted agricultural subsidies to organic farmers in recognition of its
environment benefits, the United States has taken a free market approach. As a result, as
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
of 2001 3% of European farmland was organically managed compared to just .3% of
United States farmland. By 2005 Europe’s organic land was 3.9% while the United States
had risen up to 0.6% (Anonymous, 2003).
IFOAM’s most recent edition of The World of Organic Agriculture; Statistics and
Emerging Trends 2009 list the countries which had the most hectares in 2007. The country
with most organic land is Australia with more than 12 million hectares, followed by
Argentina, Brazil, and the US. In the total 32.2 million hectares were under organic
management in 2007. For 1999, 11 million hectares are organically managed land were
reported.
As an organic farming becomes a major force in agriculture, it is likely to gain
increasing impact on national agriculture policies and confront some of the scaling
challenges faced by agriculture.
Standards for Organic Farming
Organic farming is distinguished by formal standards regulating production
methods and in some cases, final output. Standards may be voluntary or legislative. As
early as the 1970’s, private associations created standards against which organic
procedures could voluntary have themselves certified. In the 1980’s, governments began
to produce organic production guidelines. Beginning in the 1990’s, a trend toward
legislation of standards began, most notably the Eco-regulation developed in the European
Union. As of 2007 over 60 countries have regulations on organic farming. Organic
agriculture also is the only government enforced humane laws, such as limited to de-
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
breaking on chickens; guarantee to pasture time to cows and more humane ways to deal
with bees.
Productivity and Profitability
Lotter (2003) reports that repeated studies have found that organic farms withstand
severe weather conditions better than conventional farms sometimes yielding 70-90% more
than conventional farms during droughts. A 22 year trial study by Cornell University
published in 2005 concluded that organic farming produces the same corn and soybean
yields as conventional methods over the long term averages, but consumed less energy and
zero pesticides. The results were attributed to lower yields in general but higher yields
during drought years. A study or 1804 organic farms in Central America hit by Hurricane
Mitch in 1998 found that the organic farms sustained the damaged much better, retaining
20 to 40% more topsoil and smaller economic losses at highly significant levels than their
neighbors.
A long term study by US Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service
(ARS) scientist concluded that contrary to widespread beliefs, organic farming can build
up soil organic matter better than conventional no-till farming, which suggests long term
yield benefits from organic farming (Anonymous, 2005).
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
METHODOLOGY
Locale and Time of the Study
The study was conducted in the selected barangays of Sablan, Benguet namely
barangay Poblacion, barangay Kamog, barangay Bayabas, barangay Banangan on
December to January 2013.
Respondents of the Study
The respondents of the study were 120 farmers, 30 from barangay Poblacion , 30
from barangay Kamog, 30 from barangay Bayabas, and 30 from barangay Banangan, in
Sablan, Benguet.
Data Gathering Procedure
The data of the study were gathered with the use of questionnaires containing the
necessary questions to the objective of the study through personal interview.
Data Gathered
The data gathered included the demographic profile, awareness on organic farming,
level of knowledge, level of acceptability on organic farming, reasons why farmers practice
or do not practice organic farming and supports needed by the farmers to adopt organic
farming.
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
Data Analysis
The data gathered were evaluated and interpreted by the researcher according to the
objective of the study.
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Demographic Profile of Respondents
Table 1 shows the demographic profile of the respondents according to their age,
gender, civil status, educational attainment, occupation, source of income, type of farming
engaged in, and number of years in farming.
Age. The respondents’ ages ranged from 20 to 70 years old wherein 24% were 20-
30 years old, 31.61% 31- 40 years old, 20.83% belonged to the 41 to 50 age bracket,
19.17% to the 51 – 60 years old, and only 4.17% 61 – 75 were years old. The finding
shows that the respondents were more or less distributed almost equally to the different age
bracket.
Gender and civil status. There were more male respondents with 71.62 % than the
female with only 28.33%. Majority (57.5%) were married, 30.83% single and 11.67% were
widow/ widower.
Educational attainment. The respondents vary in their educational attainment. There were
19.17% elementary, 30% high school, 39.17% college, and 11.17% finished vocational
course.
Occupation. As expected, the most dominant occupation of the respondents was
farming (94. 17%) followed by self-employed/labourer (2.5%) and government employees
(3.33%). The data shows that some of the respondents are government employees but at
the same time are into farming.
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
Source of income. As to the source of income, results show that farming is the
common source of income with 79.17%, wages with 17.5%, business with 13.33%, and
salary with 9.17%.
Number of years engaged in farming. The respondents vary according to the
number of years engaged in farming. Finding shows that some of the farmers had been
farming for quite a long time but many have started farming less than ten years ago. The
distribution of the respondents according to number of years in farming was as follows:
18.33% have been farming for less than five years, 32.5% 5- 15 years, 27.5% 11-20
years,10.83%21- 30, 6.67% 31- 40 years and 4.17% for 41-50 years.
Type of farming. Majority (60.83%) of the respondents were practicing conventional
farming while those into organic farming were only 15%, and 24.17% were practicing both
organic farming and conventional farming. The data implies that conventional farming is
more dominant in the municipality of Sablan.
Table 1. Demographic profile of the respondents
PARTICULAR
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Age
20- 30
29
24.16
31-40
38
31.67
41-50
25
20.83
51-60
23
19.17
61- 75
5
4.17
TOTAL
120
100.00
Gender
Male
86
71.67
Female
34
28.33
TOTAL
120
100.00
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
Table 1. Continued. . .
PARTICULAR
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Civil status
Single
37
30.83
Married
69
57.50
Widow/Widower
14
11.67
TOTAL
120
100.00
Educational attainment
Elementary
23
19.17
High School
36
30.00
College
47
39.17
Vocational
14
11.17
TOTAL
120
100.00
Farming
113
94.17
Government employee
4
3.33
Self-employed
3
2.50
TOTAL
120
100.00
Sources on income*
Farming
95
79.17
Farm wages
21
17.50
Salary from employment
11
9.17
Business
16
13.33
Number of years in farming
Less than 5 years
22
18.33
5 – 10
39
32.50
11 – 20
33
27.50
21 - 30
13
10.83
31 – 40
8
6.67
41 – 50
5
4.17
TOTAL
120
100.00
Type of farming*
Conventional
73
60.83
Organic
18
15.00
Both conventional and organic
29
24.17
TOTAL
120
100.00
*Multiple response
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
Awareness on Organic Farming and Sources of
Information About Organic Farming
Table 2 shows the respondents awareness of organic farming. Almost all the
respondents (93.33%) were aware about organic farming. There were few(6.67%) that is
not aware on organic farming. The data implies that most of the farmers of the municipality
of Sablan are aware of organic farming. The result showed that most of the respondents
(75.89%) have heard about organic farming from radio. There were (47.32%) who heard
about organic farming from their relatives and neighbors, (33.03%) from DA technicians,
(18.75%) read about it from newspaper, (10.75%) read about it from brochures, pamphlets,
posters and (8.04% ) learned organic farming from Farmer’s Cooperative Association.
Table 2. Awareness on organic farming and sources of information about organic farming
PARTICULAR
`FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Awareness on organic farming
Aware
112
93.33
Not aware
8
6.67
TOTAL
120
100.00
Sources of information*
DA technicians
37
33.03
TV/Radlio
85
75.89
Newspaper
21
18.75
Neighbors/ relaltives
53
47.32
Brochures, pamphlets, posters
12
10.71
Farmers’ cooperative association
9
8.04
All of the above
2
1.79
A combination of the above
5
4.46
*Multiple response
Components of Organic Farming the Respondents Know
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
With the 112 respondents that is aware of organic farming, Table 3 shows that
69.64% of them were aware of crop rotation, 40.18% of green manuring, 63.39% of
composting, 6.25% of biological pest control, 12.5% of traditional varieties and practices,
15.18% of liquid fertilizers and only 4.17% claimed that they are aware on all of the
components of organic farming. The finding shows that the respondents differ in
knowledge about organic farming.
Table 3. Components of organic farming the respondents knew
COMPONENTS
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Crop rotation
62
55.36
Green manuring
45
40.18
Composting
78
69.64
Biological pest control
7
6.25
Use of traditional varieties an practices
14
12.50
Liquid fertilizers
17
15.18
All of the above
5
4.17
Multiple response
Number of Organic Producers and Crops Produced
Of the 120 respondents, 31.67% were already practicing producing organic farming
but majority (68.33%) were still practicing conventional farming (Table 4). This finding
reveals that even those who are practicing conventional farming are aware of organic
farming.
Table 4. Type of producers and crops produced.
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
PARTICULARS
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Type of producer
Organic producer
38
31.67
Conventional producer
82
68.33
TOTAL
120
100
Crops produced organically
Beans
25
65.79
Camote
17
44.74
Banana
28
73.68
Pineapple
12
31.58
Rice
35
92.10
Combination of crops
22
57.89
*Multiple response
The types of organic crops produced by 31.67% were beans, camote, banana,
pineapple, and rice. Most of the organic growers produced rice (92.10%) followed by
banana with 73.68% then beans with 65.79%, camote with 44.74%, and pineapple with
31.58%. There were 57.89% who produced a combination of crops which include eggplant,
pepper, pechay, and garden peas.
Market Outlets of Organically Produced Crops
Table 5 shows that organic producers sell their products to other farmers (18.42%),
neighbors/relatives (23.68%), restaurants or hotels (10.53%), and stores within
Table 5. Outlets of organic produce
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
OUTLETS
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Other farmers
7
18.42
Neighbors/ relatives
9
23.68
Trade faire / festival
11
28.95
Restaurants/ hotels
4
10.53
Stores within the area
27
71.05
Household consumption
15
39.47
*Multiple response
the community (71.5%). There 15% who produced organic crops specially rice for home
consumption while 28.95% sold their crops in trade fairs/festivals.
Organic Materials Used and Sources
Table 6 shows the type of organic materials used by organic producers and the sources of
the materials. Results show that compost weeds, alnus and sunflower is the commonly used
materials by 73.68% of the organic growers. These materials are sourced out within the
area of the farm. Organic seeds are used by 31.58% which they buy from farm supplies
outlet. The other materials used by the organic growers were chicken dung by 55.26%
which they buy from Shilan, and mokosako by 42.11% which they bought from BSU and
other farm supplies and animal manures by 36.84%.
Table 6. Organic materials used
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
PARTICULARS
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Organic material used*
Compost weeds, alnus and sunflower
28
73.68
Seeds
12
31.58
Chicken dung
21
55.26
Mokosako
16
42.11
Animal manure
14
36.84
Sources*
Within the farm
24
63.15
Farm supply store
27
71.05
DA assistant
3
7.89
Loan from LATOP
2
5.26
Other sources
13
34.21
*Multiple response
Level of Knowledge on Organic Farming
Table 7 shows the level of knowledge of the respondents as to the components of organic
farming. The result shows that the respondents have moderate knowledge about crop
rotation and green manuring. The result also shows that most of the respondents are
knowledgeable about composting as indicated by the weighted mean of 3.98 which means
that the level of knowledge of farmers about composting is knowledgeable. The
respondents have low knowledge on the use of traditional varieties and practices, use of
liquid ferlizer and biological pest control as components of organic farming.
Table 7. Level of knowledge on the different components of organic farming
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
COMPONENTS
5 4 3 2 1 WM VD
Crop rotation
16 50 42 3 1 3.44 K
Green manuring
8 29 54 10 12 2.92 M
Composting
61 28 13 8 2 3.98 K
Biological pest control
3 11 31 47 20 2.05 L
Use of traditional varieties and practices 2 8 24 32 46 1.87 L
Liquid fertilizers
2 6 34 61 8 2.4 L
Legend; 5- Very knowledgeable 4- Knowledgeable 3-Moderately knowledgeable
2- Low knowledgeable 1- No knowledge
Scale; 5- 4.5= very knowledgeable (V)
4.4-3.6= knowledgeable (K)
3.5- 2.7=moderately knowledgeable (M)
2.6- 1.8= low knowledgeable (L)
1.7- 1.0= no knowledge (N)
Acceptability of Organic Farming
Table 8 presents the acceptability of organic farming by the respondents. Results
show that organic farming is acceptable to the majority of the respondents. As to the level
of acceptability of organic farming, it is strongly acceptable to only 14.7% but acceptable
to 80%. Only a few mentioned that organic farming is not acceptable to them. Majority of
the respondents accept organic farming but some do not practice it. This finding implies
that most of the farmers in Sablan perceived that organic farming is acceptable.
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
Table 8. Acceptability of organic farming to the respondents
ACCEPTABILITY
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Strongly acceptable
17
14.17
Acceptable
96
80.00
Not acceptable
7
5.83
TOTAL
120 100.00
Factors / Reasons for Adopting Organic Farming
Table 9 presents the reasons of those practicing organic farming in adopting this
technology. Sixteen said that organic products are beneficial to health. Organic farming
requires lesser capital because they do not buy fertilizer and pesticides was given by
31.58%, 23.68% organic products are priced higher, 18.42% each for better quality product
and successful experiment, 36.84% said organic farming has good effect to the
environment and 13.16% reasoned that organic farming improve the soil fertility. Most
of the respondents (65.79%) gave all the factors enumerated above as their reason for
adopting organic farming.
Table 9. Reasons for adopting organic farming
REASONS
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Beneficial to health
16
42.11
Lesser capital needed
12
31.58
Higher price
9
23.68
Better quality
7
18.42
Successful experiment
6
15.79
Good effects to the environment
14
36.84
All of the above
25
65.79
Improve soil quality
5
13.16
*Multiple response
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
Internal Factors/Reasons of not Adopting Organic Farming
Table 10 shows the internal factors that affect the respondents of not adopting
organic farming. Of the 82 respondents practicing conventional farming 95% claimed that
inadequate knowledge is the foremost factor for not adopting organic farming, 87.80% said
they are already expert on conventional farming, 79.27% have no time to attend seminars,
and 50% said that organic farming is laborious. Furthermore, 30.49 said it has low yield,
20.73% had the notion that organic products are of poor quality, 18.29% perceived that
they get low income in organic farming because of the low yield and 13.41% said they
have no money to pay accreditation fees.
This finding reveals that there are many internal factors that deter farmers to go into
organic farming. They have the fear that organic farming will not give them better income.
Table 10. Internal factors affecting non- adoption of organic farming
REASONS
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Poor quality of crops
17
20.73
Inadequate knowledge
78
95.12
Low yield
25
30.49
Laborious
41
50
Low income
15
18.29
No time to attend seminars
65
79.27
No money to pay accreditation fees
11
13.41
Expert on conventional farming
72
87.80
*Multiple response
External Factors Affecting Non-adoption of Organic Farming
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
Table 11 shows the external factors affecting farmers not to adopt organic farming.
There were seventy nine point twenty six per cent of the respondents who claimed that it
takes long time to revive the fertility of the soil thus organic farming will have low yield
as long as the soil fertility is not revived yet. Limited market is another factor mentioned
by 95.12%. Other external factors mentioned were limited researches to prove organic
farming is productive by 15.85%, no support from the government in case organic farming
failed by 52.44%, certification is very costly by 6.09%, and 13.41% said that there are
no sustained technical supports from those advocating organic farming. The finding
implies that farmers would not easily go into organic farming because it takes time to revive
the fertility of the soil. Limited markets or outlets of organically produced vegetable are
also another problem of farmers why they do not engage in organic farming.
Table 11. External factors affecting non- adoption of organic farming
EXTERNAL FACTORS
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
No support from the government
43
52.44
Limited researches
13
15.85
Limited market outlets
78
95.12
No sustained technical support
11
13.41
Certification is very costly
5
6.09
Takes long time to revive soil fertility
65
79.26
*Multiple response
Supports Needed to Engage in Organic Farming
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
Table 12 shows the needed supports namely technical, financial, material/ input,
and marketing support in order for the respondents to adopt organic farming. Technical
supports are trainings and seminars to be conducted in their locality to for them to attend.
Financial supports are the cash or loans needed by the farmers to implement organic
farming. Since incomes of farmers are low and initial investment on organic farming is
high they need loans with low interest and payment terms is based on the paying capacity
of farmers. Material or input supports are the materials the farmers will use like organic
fertilizers. This support is needed because they cannot produce the required inputs by their
own selves in a short period of time. If the respondents could immediately buy these inputs,
they will not take a long time in producing fertilizers like compost. And lastly, the
marketing support. Marketing supports are the supports needed by the respondents to
market or sell their products. The respondents claimed that some of their products are being
returned by the market outlet where they sell their products because the demands for these
products are low. Some respondents also said that they would like to go on organic farming
but they are afraid of bankruptcy.
Table 12. Supports needed for the adoption of organic farming
SUPPORTS
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Technical support
120
100
Financial support
120
100
Material/ input support
120
100
Marketing support
120
100
*Multiple response
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
The study was conducted last January 2013 to February 2013 in selected barangays
of Sablan namely, Barangay Poblacion, Kamog, Bayabas and Banangan. It was conducted
with the following objectives to be proved: 1.)to determine if organic farming is acceptable
in the place; 2) to determine the farmers awareness on organic farming in the place; 3) to
identify the reasons of farmers for practicing organic farming; 4) to identify the reasons of
farmers for not practicing organic farming in the area.
One hundred twenty respondents were interviewed and were given questionnaires to be
answered. As the result of the data gathered 94.17% of the respondents mentioned that if
all the needed support would be provided they are willing to adopt organic farming while
5.83% of them are do not accept organic farming. For the respondentsawareness, 93.33%of
them are aware of organic farming while only 6.67% are not aware of it. As for the reasons
of not adopting organic farming in Sablan, the main external factor for non-adoption of
organic farming is limited market outlets 95.12% and takes long time to revive the fertility
of the soil 79.26%. The main internal reason or factor for non-adoption of the respondents
on organic farming was inadequate knowledge 95.12% and expert on organic farming
(87.80%). The factors or reasons for practicing of the respondents on organic farming are
the following: beneficial to health, good effects to the environment, lesser capital needed,
higher price, better quality, successful experiment and lastly it improves soil quality.
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
Conclusions
Based on the findings of the study the following conclusions are formulated:
1. Farmers in Sablan, Benguet are generally aware of organic farming and that the
component of organic farming that they are very familiar with is composting; and,
2. Organic farming is acceptable to almost all the farmers in Sablan and they are willing to
engage in organic farming as long as technical, financial, material inputs, and marketing
supports would be provided to them since majority of those not adapting organic farming
is due to limited market outlet and their problem on reviving soil the soil fertility of their
land.
Recommendations
Since farmers of Sablan are willing to shift and some were already practicing
organic farming, government and other concerned agencies must provide all the needed
assistance of the farmers specially seminars and trainings to be conducted in their place
so that they could attend the seminars. This will enable them to understand more about
organic farming. More market outlet for organic products should be established so that
farmers would not be discouraged to engage in organic farming.
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
LITERATURE CITED
ADONIS, D. L. and BUTCH, L. M. 2005. Organic Farming Experience; The case of
Samuel
Cabanse,
Experience in Agriculture Production Congress held
in Benguet, Benguet State University, La Trinidad Benguet. P. 25.
ALMONTE, P. B. 2006. Basic Standard of Organic Agriculture and Processing Paper
Presented during the Cordillera Agriculture Congress held at Benguet State University, La
Trinidad Benguet. P. 53.
ANONYMOUS, 2003. Organic Farming Retrieved September 2, 2006 from
http://wwwye/worms. Com/organic farming/benefit-html.
ANONYMOUS, 2005.Organic Agriculture and Poverty Reduction in Asia.Via Del
Serafico 107-00142 Rome, Italy. P. 13.
BRIGGS, S. 2008. Organic Cereal and Pulse Production; A Couple Guide.Replika Press,
India. P. 33.
DE LA CRUZ, R. T.2004. Growing VegetablesOrganically. BAR Researchand
Development Digest.Bureau of Agricultural Research Department of Agriculture. Pp. 1-
2,& 9.
DESHMUKH, S. N. 2010. Organic Farming: Principles, Prospects, and Problems.
AGROBIOSINDIA: Bharat Printing Press, Jodhpur. Pp. 16-17.
HALPIN D., LAWRENCE G., LOCKIE, S. and LYONS K. 2006.Going Organic:
Mobilizing Networks for Environmentally Resposible Food Production. UK:
Athenaeum Press, Gateshead. P. 1.
KIM, A. K. 2006. Natural Farming Technology Seminar, BPI-BNPDC Baguio City 2600,
2006.
KRISTIANSEN, P. 2006. Organic Agriculture: A Global Perspective. CSIRO Publishing.
P. 3.
LOTTER, D. 2003. Organic Agriculture. Journal of Sustainable Agriculture 21(4).
PABLO, J. 2004. Technology Synthesis of Organic Farms in Benguet.A Bench Mark
Study. Master Thesis. Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet. P. 18.
RODALE, J. I. 1971. The Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening.Retrieved November 13,
2012 from http://www.business dictionary.com/definition/organic-farming.html.
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013. “Assessment on the Acceptability of
Organic Farming in Sablan”, Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Adviser: Evangeline B. Cungihan, MSc.
ABSTRACT
This study was conducted for the following objectives: to determine the farmers’ awareness
on organic farming in the place; to determine whether organic farming is acceptable in the
place; to identify the reasons of farmers of practicing organic farming; and, to identify the
reasons of farmers of not practicing organic farming in the area.
One hundred twenty (120) respondents were interviewed randomly using a
questionnaire and through personal interview. Data gathered were organized and subjected
to statistical computation using frequency and percentage.
As to the awareness of farmers in Sablan about organic farming almost all of the
respondents were aware of organic farming and the source of their information was through
the radio. Organic farming was also acceptable to the farmers of Sablan but with different
levels of acceptability, seventeen (17) claimed that organic farming was strongly
acceptable to them; ninety six respondents (96) acceptable and only seven respondents
(7) claimed that organic farming is not acceptable to them. Although organic farming was
acceptable to the farmers of Sablan, most of them were not practicing. The reasons of some
farmers for practicing organic farming were: beneficial to health, lesser capital, higher
price, better quality, successful experiment, and good effects to the environment. As to the
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
reasons for not practicing or not adapting organic farming, they mentioned the following:
have inadequate knowledge, limited market outlet, and it takes time to revive the fertility
of the soil.
From the result of this study, it is recommended that since organic farming is
acceptable to the farmers of Sablan, government and other concerned agencies must
provide all of their needs especially seminars and trainings to be conducted in their locality.
Furthermore, affordable credit should also be provided and more market outlets for the
organic vegetable products.
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
INTRODUCTION
Rationale
Vegetable production has remained as the major source of income of highland
farmers, particularly in the province of Benguet and Mountain Province. In the Philippines,
the early rice and vegetable farmers were basically organic farmers. Indigenous methods
were adapted as well as cultural tradition such as thanksgiving harvest and “bayanihan”
and other farming activities were strongly linked with religious and indigenous practices
of the rural folks. With the emergence of the Green Revolution, farmers turned their back
to organic farming in exchange for higher productivity (Pablo, 2004).
To be a successful organic farmer, the farmer must not see every insect as a pest,
every plant out of place as a weed and the solution to every problem in an artificial chemical
spray. The aim is not to eradicate all pest and weeds, but to keep down to an acceptable
level and make the most from the benefits that they may provide (Rodale, 1971).
Organic production takes into account the minimum reliance on artificial inputs, feeding
of soil and not the plants, food safety practices, non-use of hazardous chemicals, non-use
of artificial growth applied in vegetable and non-use of genetically modified organisms. It
also promotes biodiversity if the use pesticide and chemicals fertilizer are minimized if not
avoided (Adonis et al., 2005).
Benefits of eating organically grown vegetables are evident. Their greatest strength
lies in minerals and vitamin content though many have appropriate percentage of dietary
fiber, and practically have high water content. The nutritional values of organic vegetables
are also good source of protein and minerals. It contain C, K, P (Pro-vitamin A) as well as
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
B vitamins. In the case of organic vegetables grown in the Cordillera Region, it was found
out that the produced are not only tastier but have nutritional value higher than
conventionally grown vegetables (Almonte, 2006).
Sablan is a 5th class municipality in the province of Benguet. Situated on the Midwestern
side of Benguet Province, it is bounded on the north by the Municipality of Burgos, La
Union and Municipality of Kapangan, Benguet; on the east by the Municipalities of La
Trinidad and Tublay, Benguet; on the south by the City of Baguio and the Municipality
of Tuba, Benguet; on the west.
The area of Sablan is estimated at 91.68 sq.km or roughly 9,168 hectares with a population
of 9,652 people in 1,873 households according to the 2000 census. The area of Sablan
roughly constitutes 3.45 percent of the land area of the Province of Benguet.
The name "Sablan" got its name from a tree called "SABDANG" that grew abundantly
along and around the Sablan River which was found by early settlers who migrated to the
place. The Sabdang tree blooms with its beautiful red bright colored flowers during the
summer season. The tree grows up to fifty feet tall with many branches. During the Month
of February, it bears fiery red flowers, buds open and the leaves start to fall. When the
trees are in full bloom, it appears as though it has no leaves but all flowers which make it
even more distinctively beautiful among all trees.
There are no original settlers in this municipality besides the immigrants from Bantay
Dose (now called San Pascual in Tuba, Benguet) Kabayan, Bokod, La Trinidad, Atok,
and other neighboring towns, mostly Ibalois. Only in the latter part of 1970's that Ilocanos
and other lowlanders migrated to Sablan.
Sablan is politically subdivided into 8 barangays.
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
How to get here:
The municipality can be reached thru the national road which connects it to the Province
of La Union and Benguet and the City of Baguio making it accessible to all kinds of
vehicle except for the two barangays of Bagong and Balluay, which are accessible only
by foot.
Sablan serves as the watershed of major river systems in Luzon where one-mini-hydro is
located.
The climate of Sablan is comparable to the climate of Benguet which is classified under
two pronounce seasons. The dry season is from December to April while the rainy season
is from May to November. The average rainfall of Benguet is 176.73 inches. The driest
month is February and the wettest month is August followed by the month of July.
The climate of the place as well as the tourist attraction has been contributing to the
economic development of the place. Established organic farms in Baguio and other places
has now become a part of agrotourism. An assessment of the acceptability of organic
farming in Sablan would provide basis for policies that would encourage farmers to go
into organic farming.
Statement of the Problem
This study on Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan, Benguet
aimed to seek the answers to the following questions:
1. Are the farmers of the selected Barangays of Sablan aware of organic farming?
2. Is organic farming acceptable in the place?
3. What are the reasons for adopting organic farming?
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
4. What are the reasons why farmers don’t practice organic farming?
Objectives of the Study
The following were the objectives of the study:
1. to determine the farmers’ awareness on organic farming in that place;
2. to determine whether organic farming is acceptable in the place;
3. to identify the reasons of farmers of practicing organic farming in the area; and,
4. to find out the reasons of farmers of not practicing organic farming in the area.
Importance of the Study
The study would provide the needed information to determine the acceptability of organic
farming in Sablan, Benguet.
The study would serve as a way for students to understand more about organic farming.
Furthermore, the study would serve as reference for students who would conduct similar
studies in the future.
The study would also be helpful to researchers. This would serve as a source of information
for the researchers who are engage in the same study.
Study would help the policy makers to determine if organic farming is acceptable in the
said area. In addition, this would help the farmers to know the importance of organic
farming.
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
Scope and Limitation of the Study
The study was conducted in the selected barangays of Sablan, Benguet. The study focused
on the awareness and acceptability of organic farming in the area.
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
History of Organic Farming
Organic farming is not a new practice in agriculture as it was being practiced since
ages. Before the advent of chemical fertilizer and pesticides whatever was being grown can
be called as an organic. However the official credit of fathering Indian organic farming
goes to Albert Howard, an agronomist stationed at Indore in 1931 along with Yashwant
Bal.
Classic organic production research during the 1960’s and 1970’s at America’s land
grant colleges revealed the importance of philosophy. The Ph. D’s took test plots that for
decades had been subjected to all sort range of compound, including DDT and planted
corn. On some, they added chemical fertilizers, pesticides and etc. those they called the
conventional chemically fertilized plots. At the end of the season, they measured the
production from two plots and found that the organic one’s did not do well. These
conclusions were replicated and promulgated all around the world to prove the
unacceptability of organic farming (Deshmukh, 2010).
The organic movement began in the 1930’s and 1940’s as a reaction to agriculture’s
growing reliance on synthetic. Artificial fertilizers had been created during the 18th century,
initially with super phosphates and then ammonia derived fertilizers mass produced using
the Haber-Bosch process developed during World War I. These early fertilizers were
cheap, powerful, and easy to transport in bulk. The 1940’s has been referred to as the
pesticide era. Sir Albert Howard is widely considered to be the father of organic farming.
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
Rudolf Steiner, an Australian philosopher, made important strides in the earliest organic
theory with his biodynamic agriculture.
Organic farming techniques were pioneered in the early twentieth century by small
groups of farmers concerned about the effects of mechanization, fertilizer use and other
forms of intensification on the biological health of the soil (Halpin et. al., 2006).
Farming
Farming is a man’s skill, in which players grow crops using seeds and harvest useful
items from them, or more commonly harvest the plant itself. The crops grown range from
the standard staples of vegetables, fruits and fruit trees, herbs, to more exotic and usual
crops such as wood bearing trees, cacti, and mushrooms. The harvested items have wide
range of uses, but are mostly used to train herb lure or cooking, or simply eaten as food.
Many players sell their harvest for a significant profit( Briggs, 2008).
Organic Farms
The term organic is best thought of as referring not to the type of inputs used, but
to the concept of the farm as an organism, in which all the components such as soil
minerals, organic matter, microorganisms, insect, plants and humans interact to create a
coherent self-regulating and stable whole. Reliance on external inputs, whether chemical
or organic, is reduced as far as possible (Anonymous, 2005).
As cited by Pablo (2004), organic is not new in the country and a number of technologies
and strategies have been well studied and adopted in some areas of Benguet already. In
fact, a number of specialized farms have been stabilized and profitably growing organic
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
vegetables and other crops and livestock. However there is no package of technology in
organic farming for farmers to use or to refer to.
Organic Farming
Organic farming is a system devoid of the use of any chemical or genetically
modified inputs, in which the biological potential of the soil, organic sources and
underground water resources are conserved and protected by adopting suitable, cropping
pattern including agro-forestry and methods of organic replenishment.
The US Department of Agriculture defines organic farming as a system that is designed to
produce agricultural products by the use of method and substances that maintain the
integrity of organic agricultural products until they reach the consumer. Organic farming
is a method of crop and livestock production that involves much more than choosing not
to use pesticides. Fertilizers, genetically modified organisms, antibiotics, and growth
hormones that are not permitted by organic standards.
Organic farming literary means raising of crops with organic manure without the
use of synthetic chemicals. USDA has defined organic farming as a production system,
which avoids or largely excludes the use of synthetically compounded fertilizers,
pesticides, growth regulators and livestock feed additives. Food and Agriculture
organization’s Codex definition (Nanda et al., 2003 as cited by Deshmukh, 2010) organic
agriculture is holistic agro-ecosystem health, includes biodiversity, biological cycle and
soil biological activity.
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
Bhattacharya (2004) as cited by Deshmukh (2010), mentioned that organic farming relies
on crop rotation, crop residues, animal manure, legumes, and green manure, off farming,
organic waste and aspects of biological control.
Organic agriculture is a holistic production management system which promotes
and enhances agro-ecosystem health including biodiversity, biological cycles and soil
biological activity. It emphasises the use of management practices in preference to the use
of off-farm inputs, taking into account that regional conditions require locally adapted
systems. This is accomplished by using, were possible, agronomic, biological, and
mechanical methods, as opposed to using synthetic materials, to fulfil any specific
functions with the system (Kristiansen, 2006).
Organic farming does not mean going back to traditional methods. Many of the
farming methods used in the past are still useful today. Organic farming takes the pest of
this and combines them with modern scientific knowledge. Organic farmers do not leave
their farms to be taken over by nature; they use all the knowledge, techniques and materials
available to work with nature. In this way, the farmer creates a healthy balance between
natures and farming, where crops and animals can grow can thrive (Rodale, 1971).
Difference Between Conventional and Organic Production
Kim (2006) cited differences between organic and conventional methods of
farming. Conventional farming makes use of commercially produced fertilizers and other
synthetic chemicals while organic farming makes use of limited thermal, biological, and
chemical intervention. Because of this, long-term fertility of soil is more protected in
organic farming than in conventional farming. Moreover, Kim pointed out that organic
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
farming practitioners gain more profit than conventional farmers because of lower cost of
farm inputs.
Significance of Producing Organic Vegetable
According to De La Cruz (2004), crops that were applied with organic fertilizer performed
better compared to those crops that were grown with commercial fertilizer. The slow
release of nutrients from animal manure minimizes the nutrient losses in the soil resulting
to the efficient nutrient uptake of crops that leads to higher yields. Organic farming also
serves as a valuable conditioner of soil retaining humidity and improving, structure and
internal drainage. Organic farming system replenishes and maintains soil fertility,
eliminate the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers, and build biologically
diverse agriculture.
Advantages of Organic Farming
The most important of the advantages of organic farming is that it maintains the life
of the soil, not only for the current generation, but also for the future generation. Water
pollution is reduced with organic farming. Most of the times after rains, the water from the
fields, which contains chemical, get drained into the rivers. This pollutes the water bodies.
In organic farming, since no chemicals or synthetics are used, water pollution reduces as
well.
Organic farming helps in building richer soils. Rich soil is obtained by the
intelligently rotating crops. The rich soil helps in plant growth. The rate of soil erosion is
reduced drastically. A French study has revealed that the nutritional quality and micro-
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
nutrients are present in higher quantities in organically produced crops. The micro-
nutrients promote health.
Organically grown food tastes better too. The overall cost of cultivating the crops
reduces as the farmers use green manure or worm farming to replenish the lost nutrients of
the soil. The other option that the farmers use is to grow legumes in rotation with other
crops.
Disadvantages of Organic Farming
Along with the pros of organic farming, there are certain cons too. One
disadvantage is that it has low productivity. With the highly developed chemicals and
machinery, the farmer is able to multiply his harvest manifold times. The organic farmers
use the cultivation method as opposed to drilling method used by the traditional farmers.
The cultivated soil is prone to wind and water erosion. The traditional farmers don’t know
that direct drilling does not cause any disharmony in soil structure. The organically
produced food is also expensive. The cost is very often 50-100% more than the traditional
food and lastly, organic food is not always available in the market (Anonymous 2005).
Benefits of Organic Foods
Organic farming emphasizes the use of renewable resources. One of the common
benefits proclaimed about organic food is that it taste better, but there are many other
benefits to incorporating organic foods into diet (Anonymous, 2003).
Health benefits. Organic foods prevent people from ingesting regular amounts of
pesticide commonly found in commercial products. Animals are not routinely given
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
antibiotics and other medications which enter the food supply to human. Some research
suggests that this excessive use of chemical in food can be linked to increased health
problems and with the healthy development of the children. Organic food significantly
lowers the organic phosphorous pesticides.
Environmental benefits. Organic food also protects the planet. It ensures that the
biodiversity remains available in the food we eat and the wildlife that live on the farms.
Fruits and vegetables are naturally available in hundreds of varieties. Organic farms grow
a mix of crops and promote a balanced ecosystem including parasites and predators that
protect crops from pest and worms and other microorganisms which enrich the soil.
Human and animal benefits. Organic food products reduce exposure to pesticides.
Organic farming is considered sustainable farming. The workers and the animals are not as
exposed to dangerous toxins or working and living conditions. This enables people to
continue growing healthy foods for the rest of society without reliance on huge machinery
and chemicals. The animals raised on organic farm are not subject to the terrible living
conditions imposed on commercially reared animals that often live in exceedingly small
spaces without a freedom of movement. These unhealthy conditions lead to a spreading of
illness which is combated with regular doses of antibiotics.
Organic sustainable farming protects humans, animals and the environment.
Increasing the demand for organic farming and ensure that the food supply available to the
children is a healthy one.
Nutritional Value and Taste
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
According to the UK's Food Standards Agency, "Consumers may choose to buy organic
fruit, vegetables and meat because they believe them to be more nutritious than other food.
However, the balance of current scientific evidence does not support this view. A 12-month
systematic review commissioned by the FSA in 2009 and conducted at the London School
of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine based on 50 years' worth of collected evidence concluded
that "there is no good evidence that consumption of organic food is beneficial to health in
relation to nutrient content. Other studies have found no proof that organic food offers
greater nutritional values, more consumer safety or any distinguishable difference in
taste. A review of nutrition claims showed that organic food proponents are unreliable
information sources which harm consumers, and that consumers are wasting their money
if they buy organic food believing that it contains better nutrients. Minor differences
in ascorbic acid, protein concentration and several micronutrients have been identified
between organic and conventional foods, but it doesn't appear that these have any impact
on human health.
Implications of Organic Farming
Principles outlined by IFOAM for organic farming plead for maintenance of environment
and avoidance of all those practices that spread any kind of pollution. Production standards
and economic feasibilities are also included as key issues so that it is accepted by farmers.
Soil health. Organic farming cares more for soil than crop. Addition of manures to soil is
scheduled according soil needs. Build up soil organic matter increases, bringing stability
in soil pH and enhancement in organic carbon which is essential for good soil and
biological environment (Clark et al., 1998 as cited by Deshmukh, 2010).Nutrient
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
transformation processes are accelerated upon addition of organic manures (Stockdale et
al.,2001 as cited by Deshmukh, 2010). Physical properties of soil were enhanced in terms
of porosity aggregation stability, soil aeration, nutrient retention and water holding
capacity.
Water pollution. Prohibition of synthetic pesticides in organic farming eliminates risk of
contaminating water compared to intensive/conventional agriculture. In livestock
production use of antibiotics, feed additives are not permitted which reduced risk factor
over conventional livestock system.
Air pollution. The following observations reveal superiority of organic farming over
conventional are in case of air pollution. a.) Carbon dioxide emissions are generally lower
in organic farming systems. It is due to prevention of chemical use. b.) Nitrogen surplus
are low in organic system and indicate lower potential for gaseous nitrogen emissions. c.)
Organic farming helps in reducing air pollution as it permits use of many off farm waste
which otherwise may result in air, and water and pollution.
Biodiversity Conservation
Influence of organic farming is especially favourable for weeds, insects, birds,
wildlife, soil flora as well as fauna. Eco-friendly weed control measures provide livelihood
rights too many untargeted plants. Bird numbers and species show more diversity on
organic farm.
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
Economics of Organic Farming
The economics of organic farming, a subfield of organic agriculture economies
encompasses the entire process and effect of organic farming in terms of human society
including social cost, opportunity cost, unintended consequences, information
asymmetries, and economics of scale. Although the scope of economics is broad,
agricultural economics tend to focus on maximizing yields and efficiency at the farm level.
Economics takes an anthropocentric approach to the value of the natural world;
biodiversity, for example is considered beneficially only to the extent that is valued by
people and increase profits. Some entities such as the European Union subsidize organic
farming in large part because these countries want to account for the externalities of
reduced water use, reduced water contamination, reduced soil erosion, reduced carbon
emission, increase biodiversity, and assorted other benefits that result of organic farming.
Traditional organic farming is labor and knowledge intensive whereas conventional
farming is capital intensive, requiring more energy and manufactured inputs.
Growth. As of 2001 the estimated total market value of certified organic products was
estimated to be $20 billion. By 2002 this was $23 billion and by 2005 $33 billion with
organic monitor projecting sales of $40 billion in 2006 (Anonymous, 2003). The change
from to 2005 represents a compound growth of 10.6%.
In recent years both Europe and North America have experience strong growth in
organic farmland. Each added half a million hectares from 2004 to 2007 for the US this is
29% change . However, this growth has occurred under different conditions. While the
European Union has shifted agricultural subsidies to organic farmers in recognition of its
environment benefits, the United States has taken a free market approach. As a result, as
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
of 2001 3% of European farmland was organically managed compared to just .3% of
United States farmland. By 2005 Europe’s organic land was 3.9% while the United States
had risen up to 0.6% (Anonymous, 2003).
IFOAM’s most recent edition of The World of Organic Agriculture; Statistics and
Emerging Trends 2009 list the countries which had the most hectares in 2007. The country
with most organic land is Australia with more than 12 million hectares, followed by
Argentina, Brazil, and the US. In the total 32.2 million hectares were under organic
management in 2007. For 1999, 11 million hectares are organically managed land were
reported.
As an organic farming becomes a major force in agriculture, it is likely to gain
increasing impact on national agriculture policies and confront some of the scaling
challenges faced by agriculture.
Standards for Organic Farming
Organic farming is distinguished by formal standards regulating production
methods and in some cases, final output. Standards may be voluntary or legislative. As
early as the 1970’s, private associations created standards against which organic
procedures could voluntary have themselves certified. In the 1980’s, governments began
to produce organic production guidelines. Beginning in the 1990’s, a trend toward
legislation of standards began, most notably the Eco-regulation developed in the European
Union. As of 2007 over 60 countries have regulations on organic farming. Organic
agriculture also is the only government enforced humane laws, such as limited to de-
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
breaking on chickens; guarantee to pasture time to cows and more humane ways to deal
with bees.
Productivity and Profitability
Lotter (2003) reports that repeated studies have found that organic farms withstand
severe weather conditions better than conventional farms sometimes yielding 70-90% more
than conventional farms during droughts. A 22 year trial study by Cornell University
published in 2005 concluded that organic farming produces the same corn and soybean
yields as conventional methods over the long term averages, but consumed less energy and
zero pesticides. The results were attributed to lower yields in general but higher yields
during drought years. A study or 1804 organic farms in Central America hit by Hurricane
Mitch in 1998 found that the organic farms sustained the damaged much better, retaining
20 to 40% more topsoil and smaller economic losses at highly significant levels than their
neighbors.
A long term study by US Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service
(ARS) scientist concluded that contrary to widespread beliefs, organic farming can build
up soil organic matter better than conventional no-till farming, which suggests long term
yield benefits from organic farming (Anonymous, 2005).
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
METHODOLOGY
Locale and Time of the Study
The study was conducted in the selected barangays of Sablan, Benguet namely
barangay Poblacion, barangay Kamog, barangay Bayabas, barangay Banangan on
December to January 2013.
Respondents of the Study
The respondents of the study were 120 farmers, 30 from barangay Poblacion , 30
from barangay Kamog, 30 from barangay Bayabas, and 30 from barangay Banangan, in
Sablan, Benguet.
Data Gathering Procedure
The data of the study were gathered with the use of questionnaires containing the
necessary questions to the objective of the study through personal interview.
Data Gathered
The data gathered included the demographic profile, awareness on organic farming,
level of knowledge, level of acceptability on organic farming, reasons why farmers practice
or do not practice organic farming and supports needed by the farmers to adopt organic
farming.
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
Data Analysis
The data gathered were evaluated and interpreted by the researcher according to the
objective of the study.
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Demographic Profile of Respondents
Table 1 shows the demographic profile of the respondents according to their age,
gender, civil status, educational attainment, occupation, source of income, type of farming
engaged in, and number of years in farming.
Age. The respondents’ ages ranged from 20 to 70 years old wherein 24% were 20-
30 years old, 31.61% 31- 40 years old, 20.83% belonged to the 41 to 50 age bracket,
19.17% to the 51 – 60 years old, and only 4.17% 61 – 75 were years old. The finding
shows that the respondents were more or less distributed almost equally to the different age
bracket.
Gender and civil status. There were more male respondents with 71.62 % than the
female with only 28.33%. Majority (57.5%) were married, 30.83% single and 11.67% were
widow/ widower.
Educational attainment. The respondents vary in their educational attainment. There were
19.17% elementary, 30% high school, 39.17% college, and 11.17% finished vocational
course.
Occupation. As expected, the most dominant occupation of the respondents was
farming (94. 17%) followed by self-employed/labourer (2.5%) and government employees
(3.33%). The data shows that some of the respondents are government employees but at
the same time are into farming.
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
Source of income. As to the source of income, results show that farming is the
common source of income with 79.17%, wages with 17.5%, business with 13.33%, and
salary with 9.17%.
Number of years engaged in farming. The respondents vary according to the
number of years engaged in farming. Finding shows that some of the farmers had been
farming for quite a long time but many have started farming less than ten years ago. The
distribution of the respondents according to number of years in farming was as follows:
18.33% have been farming for less than five years, 32.5% 5- 15 years, 27.5% 11-20
years,10.83%21- 30, 6.67% 31- 40 years and 4.17% for 41-50 years.
Type of farming. Majority (60.83%) of the respondents were practicing conventional
farming while those into organic farming were only 15%, and 24.17% were practicing both
organic farming and conventional farming. The data implies that conventional farming is
more dominant in the municipality of Sablan.
Table 1. Demographic profile of the respondents
PARTICULAR
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Age
20- 30
29
24.16
31-40
38
31.67
41-50
25
20.83
51-60
23
19.17
61- 75
5
4.17
TOTAL
120
100.00
Gender
Male
86
71.67
Female
34
28.33
TOTAL
120
100.00
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
Table 1. Continued. . .
PARTICULAR
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Civil status
Single
37
30.83
Married
69
57.50
Widow/Widower
14
11.67
TOTAL
120
100.00
Educational attainment
Elementary
23
19.17
High School
36
30.00
College
47
39.17
Vocational
14
11.17
TOTAL
120
100.00
Farming
113
94.17
Government employee
4
3.33
Self-employed
3
2.50
TOTAL
120
100.00
Sources on income*
Farming
95
79.17
Farm wages
21
17.50
Salary from employment
11
9.17
Business
16
13.33
Number of years in farming
Less than 5 years
22
18.33
5 – 10
39
32.50
11 – 20
33
27.50
21 - 30
13
10.83
31 – 40
8
6.67
41 – 50
5
4.17
TOTAL
120
100.00
Type of farming*
Conventional
73
60.83
Organic
18
15.00
Both conventional and organic
29
24.17
TOTAL
120
100.00
*Multiple response
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
Awareness on Organic Farming and Sources of
Information About Organic Farming
Table 2 shows the respondents awareness of organic farming. Almost all the
respondents (93.33%) were aware about organic farming. There were few(6.67%) that is
not aware on organic farming. The data implies that most of the farmers of the municipality
of Sablan are aware of organic farming. The result showed that most of the respondents
(75.89%) have heard about organic farming from radio. There were (47.32%) who heard
about organic farming from their relatives and neighbors, (33.03%) from DA technicians,
(18.75%) read about it from newspaper, (10.75%) read about it from brochures, pamphlets,
posters and (8.04% ) learned organic farming from Farmer’s Cooperative Association.
Table 2. Awareness on organic farming and sources of information about organic farming
PARTICULAR
`FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Awareness on organic farming
Aware
112
93.33
Not aware
8
6.67
TOTAL
120
100.00
Sources of information*
DA technicians
37
33.03
TV/Radlio
85
75.89
Newspaper
21
18.75
Neighbors/ relaltives
53
47.32
Brochures, pamphlets, posters
12
10.71
Farmers’ cooperative association
9
8.04
All of the above
2
1.79
A combination of the above
5
4.46
*Multiple response
Components of Organic Farming the Respondents Know
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
With the 112 respondents that is aware of organic farming, Table 3 shows that
69.64% of them were aware of crop rotation, 40.18% of green manuring, 63.39% of
composting, 6.25% of biological pest control, 12.5% of traditional varieties and practices,
15.18% of liquid fertilizers and only 4.17% claimed that they are aware on all of the
components of organic farming. The finding shows that the respondents differ in
knowledge about organic farming.
Table 3. Components of organic farming the respondents knew
COMPONENTS
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Crop rotation
62
55.36
Green manuring
45
40.18
Composting
78
69.64
Biological pest control
7
6.25
Use of traditional varieties an practices
14
12.50
Liquid fertilizers
17
15.18
All of the above
5
4.17
Multiple response
Number of Organic Producers and Crops Produced
Of the 120 respondents, 31.67% were already practicing producing organic farming
but majority (68.33%) were still practicing conventional farming (Table 4). This finding
reveals that even those who are practicing conventional farming are aware of organic
farming.
Table 4. Type of producers and crops produced.
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
PARTICULARS
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Type of producer
Organic producer
38
31.67
Conventional producer
82
68.33
TOTAL
120
100
Crops produced organically
Beans
25
65.79
Camote
17
44.74
Banana
28
73.68
Pineapple
12
31.58
Rice
35
92.10
Combination of crops
22
57.89
*Multiple response
The types of organic crops produced by 31.67% were beans, camote, banana,
pineapple, and rice. Most of the organic growers produced rice (92.10%) followed by
banana with 73.68% then beans with 65.79%, camote with 44.74%, and pineapple with
31.58%. There were 57.89% who produced a combination of crops which include eggplant,
pepper, pechay, and garden peas.
Market Outlets of Organically Produced Crops
Table 5 shows that organic producers sell their products to other farmers (18.42%),
neighbors/relatives (23.68%), restaurants or hotels (10.53%), and stores within
Table 5. Outlets of organic produce
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
OUTLETS
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Other farmers
7
18.42
Neighbors/ relatives
9
23.68
Trade faire / festival
11
28.95
Restaurants/ hotels
4
10.53
Stores within the area
27
71.05
Household consumption
15
39.47
*Multiple response
the community (71.5%). There 15% who produced organic crops specially rice for home
consumption while 28.95% sold their crops in trade fairs/festivals.
Organic Materials Used and Sources
Table 6 shows the type of organic materials used by organic producers and the sources of
the materials. Results show that compost weeds, alnus and sunflower is the commonly used
materials by 73.68% of the organic growers. These materials are sourced out within the
area of the farm. Organic seeds are used by 31.58% which they buy from farm supplies
outlet. The other materials used by the organic growers were chicken dung by 55.26%
which they buy from Shilan, and mokosako by 42.11% which they bought from BSU and
other farm supplies and animal manures by 36.84%.
Table 6. Organic materials used
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
PARTICULARS
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Organic material used*
Compost weeds, alnus and sunflower
28
73.68
Seeds
12
31.58
Chicken dung
21
55.26
Mokosako
16
42.11
Animal manure
14
36.84
Sources*
Within the farm
24
63.15
Farm supply store
27
71.05
DA assistant
3
7.89
Loan from LATOP
2
5.26
Other sources
13
34.21
*Multiple response
Level of Knowledge on Organic Farming
Table 7 shows the level of knowledge of the respondents as to the components of organic
farming. The result shows that the respondents have moderate knowledge about crop
rotation and green manuring. The result also shows that most of the respondents are
knowledgeable about composting as indicated by the weighted mean of 3.98 which means
that the level of knowledge of farmers about composting is knowledgeable. The
respondents have low knowledge on the use of traditional varieties and practices, use of
liquid ferlizer and biological pest control as components of organic farming.
Table 7. Level of knowledge on the different components of organic farming
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
COMPONENTS
5 4 3 2 1 WM VD
Crop rotation
16 50 42 3 1 3.44 K
Green manuring
8 29 54 10 12 2.92 M
Composting
61 28 13 8 2 3.98 K
Biological pest control
3 11 31 47 20 2.05 L
Use of traditional varieties and practices 2 8 24 32 46 1.87 L
Liquid fertilizers
2 6 34 61 8 2.4 L
Legend; 5- Very knowledgeable 4- Knowledgeable 3-Moderately knowledgeable
2- Low knowledgeable 1- No knowledge
Scale; 5- 4.5= very knowledgeable (V)
4.4-3.6= knowledgeable (K)
3.5- 2.7=moderately knowledgeable (M)
2.6- 1.8= low knowledgeable (L)
1.7- 1.0= no knowledge (N)
Acceptability of Organic Farming
Table 8 presents the acceptability of organic farming by the respondents. Results
show that organic farming is acceptable to the majority of the respondents. As to the level
of acceptability of organic farming, it is strongly acceptable to only 14.7% but acceptable
to 80%. Only a few mentioned that organic farming is not acceptable to them. Majority of
the respondents accept organic farming but some do not practice it. This finding implies
that most of the farmers in Sablan perceived that organic farming is acceptable.
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
Table 8. Acceptability of organic farming to the respondents
ACCEPTABILITY
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Strongly acceptable
17
14.17
Acceptable
96
80.00
Not acceptable
7
5.83
TOTAL
120 100.00
Factors / Reasons for Adopting Organic Farming
Table 9 presents the reasons of those practicing organic farming in adopting this
technology. Sixteen said that organic products are beneficial to health. Organic farming
requires lesser capital because they do not buy fertilizer and pesticides was given by
31.58%, 23.68% organic products are priced higher, 18.42% each for better quality product
and successful experiment, 36.84% said organic farming has good effect to the
environment and 13.16% reasoned that organic farming improve the soil fertility. Most
of the respondents (65.79%) gave all the factors enumerated above as their reason for
adopting organic farming.
Table 9. Reasons for adopting organic farming
REASONS
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Beneficial to health
16
42.11
Lesser capital needed
12
31.58
Higher price
9
23.68
Better quality
7
18.42
Successful experiment
6
15.79
Good effects to the environment
14
36.84
All of the above
25
65.79
Improve soil quality
5
13.16
*Multiple response
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
Internal Factors/Reasons of not Adopting Organic Farming
Table 10 shows the internal factors that affect the respondents of not adopting
organic farming. Of the 82 respondents practicing conventional farming 95% claimed that
inadequate knowledge is the foremost factor for not adopting organic farming, 87.80% said
they are already expert on conventional farming, 79.27% have no time to attend seminars,
and 50% said that organic farming is laborious. Furthermore, 30.49 said it has low yield,
20.73% had the notion that organic products are of poor quality, 18.29% perceived that
they get low income in organic farming because of the low yield and 13.41% said they
have no money to pay accreditation fees.
This finding reveals that there are many internal factors that deter farmers to go into
organic farming. They have the fear that organic farming will not give them better income.
Table 10. Internal factors affecting non- adoption of organic farming
REASONS
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Poor quality of crops
17
20.73
Inadequate knowledge
78
95.12
Low yield
25
30.49
Laborious
41
50
Low income
15
18.29
No time to attend seminars
65
79.27
No money to pay accreditation fees
11
13.41
Expert on conventional farming
72
87.80
*Multiple response
External Factors Affecting Non-adoption of Organic Farming
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
Table 11 shows the external factors affecting farmers not to adopt organic farming.
There were seventy nine point twenty six per cent of the respondents who claimed that it
takes long time to revive the fertility of the soil thus organic farming will have low yield
as long as the soil fertility is not revived yet. Limited market is another factor mentioned
by 95.12%. Other external factors mentioned were limited researches to prove organic
farming is productive by 15.85%, no support from the government in case organic farming
failed by 52.44%, certification is very costly by 6.09%, and 13.41% said that there are
no sustained technical supports from those advocating organic farming. The finding
implies that farmers would not easily go into organic farming because it takes time to revive
the fertility of the soil. Limited markets or outlets of organically produced vegetable are
also another problem of farmers why they do not engage in organic farming.
Table 11. External factors affecting non- adoption of organic farming
EXTERNAL FACTORS
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
No support from the government
43
52.44
Limited researches
13
15.85
Limited market outlets
78
95.12
No sustained technical support
11
13.41
Certification is very costly
5
6.09
Takes long time to revive soil fertility
65
79.26
*Multiple response
Supports Needed to Engage in Organic Farming
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
Table 12 shows the needed supports namely technical, financial, material/ input,
and marketing support in order for the respondents to adopt organic farming. Technical
supports are trainings and seminars to be conducted in their locality to for them to attend.
Financial supports are the cash or loans needed by the farmers to implement organic
farming. Since incomes of farmers are low and initial investment on organic farming is
high they need loans with low interest and payment terms is based on the paying capacity
of farmers. Material or input supports are the materials the farmers will use like organic
fertilizers. This support is needed because they cannot produce the required inputs by their
own selves in a short period of time. If the respondents could immediately buy these inputs,
they will not take a long time in producing fertilizers like compost. And lastly, the
marketing support. Marketing supports are the supports needed by the respondents to
market or sell their products. The respondents claimed that some of their products are being
returned by the market outlet where they sell their products because the demands for these
products are low. Some respondents also said that they would like to go on organic farming
but they are afraid of bankruptcy.
Table 12. Supports needed for the adoption of organic farming
SUPPORTS
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Technical support
120
100
Financial support
120
100
Material/ input support
120
100
Marketing support
120
100
*Multiple response
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
The study was conducted last January 2013 to February 2013 in selected barangays
of Sablan namely, Barangay Poblacion, Kamog, Bayabas and Banangan. It was conducted
with the following objectives to be proved: 1.)to determine if organic farming is acceptable
in the place; 2) to determine the farmers awareness on organic farming in the place; 3) to
identify the reasons of farmers for practicing organic farming; 4) to identify the reasons of
farmers for not practicing organic farming in the area.
One hundred twenty respondents were interviewed and were given questionnaires to be
answered. As the result of the data gathered 94.17% of the respondents mentioned that if
all the needed support would be provided they are willing to adopt organic farming while
5.83% of them are do not accept organic farming. For the respondentsawareness, 93.33%of
them are aware of organic farming while only 6.67% are not aware of it. As for the reasons
of not adopting organic farming in Sablan, the main external factor for non-adoption of
organic farming is limited market outlets 95.12% and takes long time to revive the fertility
of the soil 79.26%. The main internal reason or factor for non-adoption of the respondents
on organic farming was inadequate knowledge 95.12% and expert on organic farming
(87.80%). The factors or reasons for practicing of the respondents on organic farming are
the following: beneficial to health, good effects to the environment, lesser capital needed,
higher price, better quality, successful experiment and lastly it improves soil quality.
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
Conclusions
Based on the findings of the study the following conclusions are formulated:
1. Farmers in Sablan, Benguet are generally aware of organic farming and that the
component of organic farming that they are very familiar with is composting; and,
2. Organic farming is acceptable to almost all the farmers in Sablan and they are willing to
engage in organic farming as long as technical, financial, material inputs, and marketing
supports would be provided to them since majority of those not adapting organic farming
is due to limited market outlet and their problem on reviving soil the soil fertility of their
land.
Recommendations
Since farmers of Sablan are willing to shift and some were already practicing
organic farming, government and other concerned agencies must provide all the needed
assistance of the farmers specially seminars and trainings to be conducted in their place
so that they could attend the seminars. This will enable them to understand more about
organic farming. More market outlet for organic products should be established so that
farmers would not be discouraged to engage in organic farming.
Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013
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Assessment on the Acceptability of Organic Farming in Sablan
GALIAN, JONATHAN A., APRIL 2013