BIBLIOGRAPHY TAY-EW, ADELINE A....
BIBLIOGRAPHY
TAY-EW, ADELINE A. APRIL 2013. Assessment on Farmers’ Acceptability of
Organic Farming in Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet. Benguet State University, La
Trinidad, Benguet.
Adviser: Andrew K. Del-ong, BSc.
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to determine if organic is acceptable in the place, the farmers’ awareness
on organic farming in the place, and the reasons of farmers for not practicing organic
farming in the area. There were 50 respondents that were interviewed.
The studies revealed that majority of the respondents were male, aged from 30 to
60 years old, married, and had attained a low level of formal education. It can be inferred
also that all of the respondents were farmers and farming was the main source of their
income for more than ten years.
From the available data, all of the respondents were practicing conventional
farming. Majority of them heard about organic farming but there were still some of them
that did not hear about organic farming because of some factors/reasons. The
factors/reasons for their non-awareness on organic farming were because nobody was
practicing organic farming in their community, there was no available information about
organic farming, and organic farming was not the trending practice in the area. Most of
them also did not try producing organic vegetables because of internal and external
Assessment on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet
TAY-EW, ADELINE A. APRIL 2013
factors/reasons. The internal reasons/factors for the non-adoption of organic farming were
because of inadequate knowledge, not convenient to apply, low yield, and poor quality of
crops produce while the external factors/reasons for the non-adoption of organic farming
were because of the soil fertility in the area had already gone, there were no seminars and
trainings about organic farming, and they were used to do with the easiest way
(conventional farming).
It was found out that organic farming was sustainable that according to them, they
can formulate their own fertilizers from the resources in the environment. It was more
economical in terms of inputs used. It was also found out that it did not need higher level
of education as long as there are agriculturists/facilitators to teach organic farming. Organic
produce were nutritious to eat. Conventional farming was easier to adopt but it required
specialized skill. In terms of appearance, conventional products were better.
Organic farming was acceptable in the place but for now, it is not suitable because
the soil fertility in the area has already gone. Maybe it can be apply but the crops maturity
takes longer time, in small sizes, and low yield. In the area, composting is the organic
farming technology that they are aware of. Most of the respondents are willing to go into
organic farming if there is support from the government especially technical support and
with market support where concerned institution established stable market for organic
vegetables.
Assessment on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet
TAY-EW, ADELINE A. APRIL 2013
INTRODUCTION
Rationale
Every Filipino knows that vegetables are one of the most important products of the
Philippines. Its value could hardly be over-estimated because majority produce and eat it,
for they are informed that vegetables are rich in vitamins.
Organic farming is now widely recognized by the public and as a valid alternative
to conventional agriculture. It is because medical research linked cancer with the use of
agricultural chemicals and fertilizers frequently applied by commercial farms.
Actually, pesticides are poisons. This was stressed by Dr. Lynn R. Panganiban of
the National Poison Control and Information Service. She gave the definition of Pesticides
as a chemical used for controlling, preventing, destroying, repelling or mitigating
troublesome and destructive animals, mostly insects. These substances are inherently
poisonous that can harm man and environment. Humans are affected when they are
exposed to the poison through oral and inhalation (Marquez, 2004) as cited by Empiso
(2010).
Empiso (2010) mentioned that organic farming can contribute meaningful socio-
economic and ecologically sustainable development, especially in poor countries. And this
could be achieved through applications of organic principles, which means efficient
management of local resources like local seed varieties and manures. It is proven that most
organic farms provide a means of agricultural sustainability by reducing the amount of
human input such as pesticides and fertilizers. Farmers that produce vegetables through
organic method reduce risk of poor yields.
Assessment on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet
TAY-EW, ADELINE A. APRIL 2013
It is a must that farmers should know that organic farming benefits them in many
ways. It does not pollute environment. That means it does not contribute or aggravate
illnesses or diseases related to environmental pollution. Moreover it does not only concern
the health of human beings but also with animals. Soil is preserved and prevented also from
quality degradation. This means that succeeding crops after every organic farming in a
specific farm has the least chance against soil related problems like soil acidity for example.
Doing all the right procedures of organic farming in producing edible organic vegetable is
a truly time consuming, but, it is far cheaper in expenses, comparing it to conventional
farming (Empiso, 2010).
Assessment on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet
TAY-EW, ADELINE A. APRIL 2013
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Historical and Background of Organic Farming
The term organic farming according to Barker (2010) was introduced into common
usage around 1940, following farming movements that had begun in the 1920s and 1930s
promoting the concept of management of a farm as a living unit or whole system. During
the period of the 1920s and 1930s, Albert Howard in the United Kingdom, and based on
his work in India, laid out the social and practical groundwork for the organic gardening
movement. Rudolph Steiner, through his lectures and teaching beginning in 1924, laid the
foundation for biodynamic agriculture, which created the first organic-like certification and
labeling system. However, biodynamic agriculture differs from organic agriculture in that
the biodynamic system has spiritual, mystical, and astrological guidelines, Lord
Northbourne, an agronomist in England, in reference to farming, introduced the term
organic to the world in 1940 in his book Look to the Land. J.I. Rodale introduced the
organic movement to United States about 70 years ago with publications that advocated
for health through farming organically. During 1940s, the Rodale Institute (United States),
the Soil Association (United Kingdom), and Soil and Health (New Zealand) were founded
as associations devoted to study and promotion of organic farming. Similar organizations
arose in Germany and Japan at about the same time or just following the establishment of
the institutions in the United States, United Kingdom, and New Zealand.
Barker (2010) mentioned that at the time of the early development of the organic
movements, however, use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides was very modest compared
to current practices; hence, the development of organic farming was related not only to the
Assessment on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet
TAY-EW, ADELINE A. APRIL 2013
materials used for soil fertility and crop protection but also had a base of managing a farm
as a system with integration of soils, crops, animals, and society. This concept of a
systematic approach is fundamental in organic farming today and is expressed with
opposition to production of genetically engineered crops and irradiation of foods, among
other practices. The association of organic agriculture with environmental sustainability
arose in the 1960s and 1970s and brought about changes in the politics and social elements
of organic farming. The involvement of governmental agencies in organic farming
increased markedly during the 1980s and later.
Until recently with the applications of legal restraints to organic farming, no
universally accepted definition or identification of organic farming and gardening was
developed. The difficulty of defining organic agriculture arose from multiple conceptions
of the basic nature of the term of organic among biologists, chemists and practitioners. In
some cases, terms such as naturally grown, wild, biologically grown, and ecologically
grown were used to characterize organic production. Interpretation and application of these
terms are often as difficult as defining organic. Some people say that organic farming is
agriculture that is based on use of crop rotations, cover crops, composts, and nonchemical
means of pest control and that excludes use of manufactured fertilizers or pesticides. That
concept is limited in scope and does not cover the diverse practices and restrictions of
organic farming (Barker, 2010).
According to Barker (2010), in the early years of organic farming, about 1940 to
1970, the practices essentially consisted of local operations with much contact between
consumers and farmers or retailers. With the expansion of organic production and markets
in the 1970s, this association become more remote, and consumers, growers, and marketers
Assessment on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet
TAY-EW, ADELINE A. APRIL 2013
needed means of proving that produce was organic. These needs led to the formation of
certifying agencies that would vouch that the produce was grown organically and permit
labeling of produce as being organically grown. By the 1980s, several private and state run
certifying agencies were operating in the United States. These agencies had variable
standards for certification and charge variable fees for services. Some agencies did not
recognize certifications by other agencies. Many regions of the country did not have locally
accessible certifying agencies. These differences created problems of lack of certification,
lack of uniform standards, unreasonable fees, and even fraud. To address these problems,
the organic community sought federal legislation to enact national standards for
certification of organic farming. This action led to the Organic Foods Production Act of
1990 to the establishment of the National Organic Program (NOP) of the U.S. Department
of Agriculture. The NOP sets regulations for certification. The NOP regulations are
implemented through certifying agencies that are accredited by the NOP. Accreditation
ensures that the certifying agencies understand and use the regulations of the NOP and
conduct business properly. Certification applies to crops and crop products and to
livestock, poultry, and products of their production. The certification practices referred to
hundred governmental and nongovernmental organizations in the world offer certification
systems. Governmental organizations have increased in prominence and importance as the
volume and value of organic production has increased.
The regulations of the NOP establish transition periods for movement from
conventional farming into organic agriculture. A transition period is generally 3 years
following the ending of applications of nonorganic practices. Some agencies may aid
growers in selection of crops to grow during the transition period. In practice growers may
Assessment on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet
TAY-EW, ADELINE A. APRIL 2013
certify part of a farm and leave the rest in conventional agriculture. In that case, buffer
zones between the organic farm and the conventional farm operations must exist.
Regulations specify what physical distance or barriers are needed to separate the organic
areas from conventional areas. Produce from mixed systems must be segregated at harvest.
The regulations of the NOP also establish materials that are permitted, restricted, or
prohibited for use in organic agriculture. Permitted materials can be used regularly in
organic farming. Items that are restricted can be used only within the limitations set by the
NOP standards. For example, farm manures need to be composted or an amount of time
between application of the manure to cropland and harvest of produce must lapse to meet
the organic standard. Prohibited materials cannot be used in organic production. Prohibited
materials may be naturally occurring or manufactured. Consequently, definitions of
organic agriculture by the NOP include listings of allowable practices in fertilization of
crops, control of pests, and use of adjuvant (materials that affect the activity of other agents
but that have little effect when supplied alone). Restriction of activities to those allowed in
the listings and following specified practices of crop and soil management may permit a
grower or the grower’s produce to be certified as organic. Certification is done mainly by
private organizations that work with development and review of allowable practices for
products that are labeled as “100% organic,” “organic,” “made with organic ingredients,”
or “products with less than 70% organic ingredients.” The grower or handler certifier
agrees on a production or handling system that is appropriate for each classification. The
certifier provides growers with definitions, guidelines, practices, and lists of materials that
may be used in organic farming. A national list (NOP) of allowed and prohibited substances
Assessment on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet
TAY-EW, ADELINE A. APRIL 2013
that can be used in organic farming is followed. This list includes natural and synthetic
substances that are allowed or not allowed (Barker, 2010).
METHODOLOGY
Locale and Time of the Study
The study was conducted at Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet to determine the
potential of promoting organic farming in the area. Madaymen is one of the seven
barangays of Kibungan. It was chosen as the study area because it is the coldest among the
five barangays and where highland vegetable production thrives most.
Madaymen is located 70 kms from the La Trinidad, Vegetable Trading post and 75
km from Baguio City, the key major market areas for vegetable in the province. It is
bounded north of Ampusongan and Palina, south of Atok and Lubo, east of Catubo, Atok,
and west of Poblacion.
This research was conducted from December 2012 to January 2013.
Respondents of the Study
There were 50 vegetable farmers who served as respondents. Selection of
respondents was through random sampling.
Data Collection
The needed data were collected with the aid of survey questionnaires that were
floated to the 50 respondents.
Assessment on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet
TAY-EW, ADELINE A. APRIL 2013
Data Gathered
The data gathered were the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents
and their awareness and acceptability of organic farming.
Data Analysis
The data gathered were consolidated, tabulated and analyzed based on the
objectives of the study using simple statistical analysis like frequency counts and
percentage.
Assessment on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet
TAY-EW, ADELINE A. APRIL 2013
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Socio-Demographic Profile of Respondents
Table 1 presents the socio-demographic profile of the respondents. This
information included their gender, age, civil status, educational attainment, occupation,
main source of their income, and number of years in farming.
Gender. There were more male respondents (64%) while 36% of the respondents
were females. The data shows that farming is managed mostly by the head of the family
but then, women can also do.
Age. The ages of the respondents ranged from 20 years old to 75 years old. Most
(44%) of the respondents belonged to the age brackets 34-47 years old followed by the age
brackets 48-61 years old with 26%. This finding shows that the younger age was 20 years
old and the older age was 75 years old.
Civil Status. The distribution of the respondents as to civil status is as follows: 88%
were married, 8% were single and 4% were widow/widower. The data implies that the
respondents whether married, single, or widow/widower were engaged to farming.
Educational Attainment. Majority of them (32%) were elementary graduate
followed by 20% that reached elementary level and high school graduate. Five or 10%
were college graduate and only 6% reached college level. Two or 4% gone through high
school level and vocational, and only 2% did not have formal education.
Occupation. Of the fifty respondents, all of them (100%) were farmer.
Main source of income. All of the respondents (100%) was farming is their main
source of income.
Assessment on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet
TAY-EW, ADELINE A. APRIL 2013
Numbers of years in farming. Majority of the respondents (44%) were farming for
14 to 27 years followed by 1 to 13 years in farming with 28%. Twenty six percent were
farming for 28 to 41 years and only 2% were farming for 42 to 55 years. The data shows
that all the respondents vary according to the number of years they were engaged in
farming.
This finding implies that majority of the farmers were male, were between the age
of 30 to 60 years old, married, and have attained a low level of formal education. It can be
inferred also that all of the respondents were farmers and farming is the main source of
their income. Majority of the farmers were farming for more than ten years.\\
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
Madaymen is one of the seven barangays of Kibungan. It is the coldest area among
the seven barangays and where highland vegetable production thrives most. Madaymen is
bounded north of Ampusongan and Palina, south of Atok and Lubo, east of Catubo, Atok,
and west of Poblacion. It is located 70km from the la Trinidad, Trading post and 75km
from Baguio City, the key major market areas for vegetable in the province. The place
could be reached in three to four hours by land transportation. All of the population is
engaged in vegetable farming. This is their major source of income. Majority of the
respondents were farming for more than 10 years.
This study was conducted to find out if organic farming acceptable in the place,
awareness of farmers on organic farming, and reasons of farmers for not practicing organic
Assessment on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet
TAY-EW, ADELINE A. APRIL 2013
farming. In order to get this information, 50 respondents were surveyed using a survey
questionnaire.
From the available data, all of the respondents are practicing conventional farming
in the area. Most of them heard about organic but did not practice it. There were reason for
their non-awareness and non-adoption of organic farming. For the non-awareness of
organic farming, most of the respondents mentioned that because nobody is practicing
organic farming in the area. Internal reasons for non-adoption of organic farming, most of
the respondents mentioned that because of inadequate knowledge and it is not convenient
to apply in the area. External reasons for non-adoption of organic farming, most of the
respondents mentioned that the soil fertility in the area has already gone and there are no
seminars and trainings about organic farming. For their other reason, most of them stated
that conventional farming is the practice they used to do.
Majority of the respondents mentioned that organic farming is sustainable. It is not
much of expenses that they can formulate their own fertilizer from the resources in the
environment. The easier to adopt for them is the conventional farming because the work is
easy (i.e. they just only spray the weeds and insect pests) that it is the practice that they
used to do until now. For them, organic is more economical in terms of inputs used.
Conventional requires specialized skill because they should know the kinds of chemicals
and their uses. They also need to read carefully the directions for the application of each
chemical. Organic farming does not require higher level of education because if you have
idea/information/seen from neighbors then you can apply it. For now, there are expert
facilitators to conduct seminars and trainings and the presence of guides. They believe that
Assessment on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet
TAY-EW, ADELINE A. APRIL 2013
organically produced products are more nutritious than of the conventionally produced but
conventional products has the better appearance.
Organic farming is acceptable to most of them. Composting is the most mentioned
organic farming technologies that they like to practice because it is the organic farming
technology that they are aware of and that was practiced by some of the farmers. The work
is easy (composting of sunflower and weeds, degrading leaves of vegetables) if there is a
machine for composting. The support that was most needed is the technical support. They
specified materials (i.e. shredder to be used for composting), provide liquid fertilizers for
spraying, providing of inputs (i.e. seeds) and conduction of seminars and trainings. Market
support was also needed where government should established stable market to be sure that
the organic vegetable will be sold out or accepted in the market because market of organic
products is limited.
Conclusions
Based on the findings of the study the following conclusions were formulated:
1. Organic farming is acceptable in the place;
2. The farmers of Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet were not aware of organic
farming because of some reasons: nobody is practicing organic farming in our community,
there is no available information about organic farming and organic farming is not the
trending practice in the area; and,
Assessment on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet
TAY-EW, ADELINE A. APRIL 2013
3. Organic farming is acceptable to the farmers but there were reasons for the
non-adoption of organic farming: inadequate knowledge, not convenient to apply, the soil
fertility in the area has already gone, there are no seminars and trainings about organic
farming and used to do with the easiest way (conventional farming).
Recommendations
From findings and conclusions the following recommendations were given:
1. Concerned agencies should provide assistance to farmers during conversion
period because farmers in the area used to do the conventional farming;
2. More seminars and trainings on organic. Make lecture on how the farmers can
adopt organic farming specially that the soil fertility in the area has already gone;
3. Concerned agencies should provide sustained technical supports, then this
concerned agencies have a visit in the place to ensure that the farmers are practicing and
using organic farming technologies that they provide. And also to monitor the other needed
support of the farmers. Establish stable market for organic vegetables to be sure that the it
will be sold out or accepted in the market because market of organic vegetables is limited;
and,
4. To encourage a shift into organic farming, concerned institution must provide
information, education, and training in the area. Input assistance is also recommended.
Government should give assurance that they will support organic farmers.
Assessment on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet
TAY-EW, ADELINE A. APRIL 2013
LITERATURE CITED
BARKER, A.L. 2010. Science and Technology of Organic Farming. CRC Press Taylor
and
Francis Group, 6000 Broken Sound Parkway NW, Suite 300 Boca Raton,
FL 33487
2742. Pp. 1-3, 5-6.
DESHMUKH, U. 2012. Benefits of Organic Farming. Retrieved December 04, 2012.
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/benefits-of-organic-farming.html.
EMPISO, A.B. 2010. Perception of Farmers on Organic Vegetable Production in Bakun.
BS Thesis Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet. Pp. 1-2, 8-9.
HALPIN, D., G. LAWRENCE, S. LOCKIE, &K. LYONS. 2006. Going Organic.
Mobilizing Networks for Environmentally Responsible Food Production. UK.
Athenaeum Press, Gateshead. Pp. 3-4.
NAKATE, S. 2012. Organic Farming Methods. Retrieved December 04, 2012.
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/organic-farming-methods.html.
PILLAI,
M.
2011.
Organic
Farming.
Retrieved
December 04,
2012.
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/what-is-organic-farming.html.
Assessment on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet
TAY-EW, ADELINE A. APRIL 2013
TAY-EW, ADELINE A. APRIL 2013. Assessment on Farmers’ Acceptability of
Organic Farming in Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet. Benguet State University, La
Trinidad, Benguet.
Adviser: Andrew K. Del-ong, BSc.
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to determine if organic is acceptable in the place, the farmers’ awareness
on organic farming in the place, and the reasons of farmers for not practicing organic
farming in the area. There were 50 respondents that were interviewed.
The studies revealed that majority of the respondents were male, aged from 30 to
60 years old, married, and had attained a low level of formal education. It can be inferred
also that all of the respondents were farmers and farming was the main source of their
income for more than ten years.
From the available data, all of the respondents were practicing conventional
farming. Majority of them heard about organic farming but there were still some of them
that did not hear about organic farming because of some factors/reasons. The
factors/reasons for their non-awareness on organic farming were because nobody was
practicing organic farming in their community, there was no available information about
organic farming, and organic farming was not the trending practice in the area. Most of
them also did not try producing organic vegetables because of internal and external
Assessment on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet
TAY-EW, ADELINE A. APRIL 2013
factors/reasons. The internal reasons/factors for the non-adoption of organic farming were
because of inadequate knowledge, not convenient to apply, low yield, and poor quality of
crops produce while the external factors/reasons for the non-adoption of organic farming
were because of the soil fertility in the area had already gone, there were no seminars and
trainings about organic farming, and they were used to do with the easiest way
(conventional farming).
It was found out that organic farming was sustainable that according to them, they
can formulate their own fertilizers from the resources in the environment. It was more
economical in terms of inputs used. It was also found out that it did not need higher level
of education as long as there are agriculturists/facilitators to teach organic farming. Organic
produce were nutritious to eat. Conventional farming was easier to adopt but it required
specialized skill. In terms of appearance, conventional products were better.
Organic farming was acceptable in the place but for now, it is not suitable because
the soil fertility in the area has already gone. Maybe it can be apply but the crops maturity
takes longer time, in small sizes, and low yield. In the area, composting is the organic
farming technology that they are aware of. Most of the respondents are willing to go into
organic farming if there is support from the government especially technical support and
with market support where concerned institution established stable market for organic
vegetables.
Assessment on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet
TAY-EW, ADELINE A. APRIL 2013
INTRODUCTION
Rationale
Every Filipino knows that vegetables are one of the most important products of the
Philippines. Its value could hardly be over-estimated because majority produce and eat it,
for they are informed that vegetables are rich in vitamins.
Organic farming is now widely recognized by the public and as a valid alternative
to conventional agriculture. It is because medical research linked cancer with the use of
agricultural chemicals and fertilizers frequently applied by commercial farms.
Actually, pesticides are poisons. This was stressed by Dr. Lynn R. Panganiban of
the National Poison Control and Information Service. She gave the definition of Pesticides
as a chemical used for controlling, preventing, destroying, repelling or mitigating
troublesome and destructive animals, mostly insects. These substances are inherently
poisonous that can harm man and environment. Humans are affected when they are
exposed to the poison through oral and inhalation (Marquez, 2004) as cited by Empiso
(2010).
Empiso (2010) mentioned that organic farming can contribute meaningful socio-
economic and ecologically sustainable development, especially in poor countries. And this
could be achieved through applications of organic principles, which means efficient
management of local resources like local seed varieties and manures. It is proven that most
organic farms provide a means of agricultural sustainability by reducing the amount of
human input such as pesticides and fertilizers. Farmers that produce vegetables through
organic method reduce risk of poor yields.
Assessment on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet
TAY-EW, ADELINE A. APRIL 2013
It is a must that farmers should know that organic farming benefits them in many
ways. It does not pollute environment. That means it does not contribute or aggravate
illnesses or diseases related to environmental pollution. Moreover it does not only concern
the health of human beings but also with animals. Soil is preserved and prevented also from
quality degradation. This means that succeeding crops after every organic farming in a
specific farm has the least chance against soil related problems like soil acidity for example.
Doing all the right procedures of organic farming in producing edible organic vegetable is
a truly time consuming, but, it is far cheaper in expenses, comparing it to conventional
farming (Empiso, 2010).
Assessment on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet
TAY-EW, ADELINE A. APRIL 2013
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Historical and Background of Organic Farming
The term organic farming according to Barker (2010) was introduced into common
usage around 1940, following farming movements that had begun in the 1920s and 1930s
promoting the concept of management of a farm as a living unit or whole system. During
the period of the 1920s and 1930s, Albert Howard in the United Kingdom, and based on
his work in India, laid out the social and practical groundwork for the organic gardening
movement. Rudolph Steiner, through his lectures and teaching beginning in 1924, laid the
foundation for biodynamic agriculture, which created the first organic-like certification and
labeling system. However, biodynamic agriculture differs from organic agriculture in that
the biodynamic system has spiritual, mystical, and astrological guidelines, Lord
Northbourne, an agronomist in England, in reference to farming, introduced the term
organic to the world in 1940 in his book Look to the Land. J.I. Rodale introduced the
organic movement to United States about 70 years ago with publications that advocated
for health through farming organically. During 1940s, the Rodale Institute (United States),
the Soil Association (United Kingdom), and Soil and Health (New Zealand) were founded
as associations devoted to study and promotion of organic farming. Similar organizations
arose in Germany and Japan at about the same time or just following the establishment of
the institutions in the United States, United Kingdom, and New Zealand.
Barker (2010) mentioned that at the time of the early development of the organic
movements, however, use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides was very modest compared
to current practices; hence, the development of organic farming was related not only to the
Assessment on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet
TAY-EW, ADELINE A. APRIL 2013
materials used for soil fertility and crop protection but also had a base of managing a farm
as a system with integration of soils, crops, animals, and society. This concept of a
systematic approach is fundamental in organic farming today and is expressed with
opposition to production of genetically engineered crops and irradiation of foods, among
other practices. The association of organic agriculture with environmental sustainability
arose in the 1960s and 1970s and brought about changes in the politics and social elements
of organic farming. The involvement of governmental agencies in organic farming
increased markedly during the 1980s and later.
Until recently with the applications of legal restraints to organic farming, no
universally accepted definition or identification of organic farming and gardening was
developed. The difficulty of defining organic agriculture arose from multiple conceptions
of the basic nature of the term of organic among biologists, chemists and practitioners. In
some cases, terms such as naturally grown, wild, biologically grown, and ecologically
grown were used to characterize organic production. Interpretation and application of these
terms are often as difficult as defining organic. Some people say that organic farming is
agriculture that is based on use of crop rotations, cover crops, composts, and nonchemical
means of pest control and that excludes use of manufactured fertilizers or pesticides. That
concept is limited in scope and does not cover the diverse practices and restrictions of
organic farming (Barker, 2010).
According to Barker (2010), in the early years of organic farming, about 1940 to
1970, the practices essentially consisted of local operations with much contact between
consumers and farmers or retailers. With the expansion of organic production and markets
in the 1970s, this association become more remote, and consumers, growers, and marketers
Assessment on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet
TAY-EW, ADELINE A. APRIL 2013
needed means of proving that produce was organic. These needs led to the formation of
certifying agencies that would vouch that the produce was grown organically and permit
labeling of produce as being organically grown. By the 1980s, several private and state run
certifying agencies were operating in the United States. These agencies had variable
standards for certification and charge variable fees for services. Some agencies did not
recognize certifications by other agencies. Many regions of the country did not have locally
accessible certifying agencies. These differences created problems of lack of certification,
lack of uniform standards, unreasonable fees, and even fraud. To address these problems,
the organic community sought federal legislation to enact national standards for
certification of organic farming. This action led to the Organic Foods Production Act of
1990 to the establishment of the National Organic Program (NOP) of the U.S. Department
of Agriculture. The NOP sets regulations for certification. The NOP regulations are
implemented through certifying agencies that are accredited by the NOP. Accreditation
ensures that the certifying agencies understand and use the regulations of the NOP and
conduct business properly. Certification applies to crops and crop products and to
livestock, poultry, and products of their production. The certification practices referred to
hundred governmental and nongovernmental organizations in the world offer certification
systems. Governmental organizations have increased in prominence and importance as the
volume and value of organic production has increased.
The regulations of the NOP establish transition periods for movement from
conventional farming into organic agriculture. A transition period is generally 3 years
following the ending of applications of nonorganic practices. Some agencies may aid
growers in selection of crops to grow during the transition period. In practice growers may
Assessment on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet
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certify part of a farm and leave the rest in conventional agriculture. In that case, buffer
zones between the organic farm and the conventional farm operations must exist.
Regulations specify what physical distance or barriers are needed to separate the organic
areas from conventional areas. Produce from mixed systems must be segregated at harvest.
The regulations of the NOP also establish materials that are permitted, restricted, or
prohibited for use in organic agriculture. Permitted materials can be used regularly in
organic farming. Items that are restricted can be used only within the limitations set by the
NOP standards. For example, farm manures need to be composted or an amount of time
between application of the manure to cropland and harvest of produce must lapse to meet
the organic standard. Prohibited materials cannot be used in organic production. Prohibited
materials may be naturally occurring or manufactured. Consequently, definitions of
organic agriculture by the NOP include listings of allowable practices in fertilization of
crops, control of pests, and use of adjuvant (materials that affect the activity of other agents
but that have little effect when supplied alone). Restriction of activities to those allowed in
the listings and following specified practices of crop and soil management may permit a
grower or the grower’s produce to be certified as organic. Certification is done mainly by
private organizations that work with development and review of allowable practices for
products that are labeled as “100% organic,” “organic,” “made with organic ingredients,”
or “products with less than 70% organic ingredients.” The grower or handler certifier
agrees on a production or handling system that is appropriate for each classification. The
certifier provides growers with definitions, guidelines, practices, and lists of materials that
may be used in organic farming. A national list (NOP) of allowed and prohibited substances
Assessment on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet
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that can be used in organic farming is followed. This list includes natural and synthetic
substances that are allowed or not allowed (Barker, 2010).
METHODOLOGY
Locale and Time of the Study
The study was conducted at Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet to determine the
potential of promoting organic farming in the area. Madaymen is one of the seven
barangays of Kibungan. It was chosen as the study area because it is the coldest among the
five barangays and where highland vegetable production thrives most.
Madaymen is located 70 kms from the La Trinidad, Vegetable Trading post and 75
km from Baguio City, the key major market areas for vegetable in the province. It is
bounded north of Ampusongan and Palina, south of Atok and Lubo, east of Catubo, Atok,
and west of Poblacion.
This research was conducted from December 2012 to January 2013.
Respondents of the Study
There were 50 vegetable farmers who served as respondents. Selection of
respondents was through random sampling.
Data Collection
The needed data were collected with the aid of survey questionnaires that were
floated to the 50 respondents.
Assessment on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet
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Data Gathered
The data gathered were the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents
and their awareness and acceptability of organic farming.
Data Analysis
The data gathered were consolidated, tabulated and analyzed based on the
objectives of the study using simple statistical analysis like frequency counts and
percentage.
Assessment on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet
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RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Socio-Demographic Profile of Respondents
Table 1 presents the socio-demographic profile of the respondents. This
information included their gender, age, civil status, educational attainment, occupation,
main source of their income, and number of years in farming.
Gender. There were more male respondents (64%) while 36% of the respondents
were females. The data shows that farming is managed mostly by the head of the family
but then, women can also do.
Age. The ages of the respondents ranged from 20 years old to 75 years old. Most
(44%) of the respondents belonged to the age brackets 34-47 years old followed by the age
brackets 48-61 years old with 26%. This finding shows that the younger age was 20 years
old and the older age was 75 years old.
Civil Status. The distribution of the respondents as to civil status is as follows: 88%
were married, 8% were single and 4% were widow/widower. The data implies that the
respondents whether married, single, or widow/widower were engaged to farming.
Educational Attainment. Majority of them (32%) were elementary graduate
followed by 20% that reached elementary level and high school graduate. Five or 10%
were college graduate and only 6% reached college level. Two or 4% gone through high
school level and vocational, and only 2% did not have formal education.
Occupation. Of the fifty respondents, all of them (100%) were farmer.
Main source of income. All of the respondents (100%) was farming is their main
source of income.
Assessment on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet
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Numbers of years in farming. Majority of the respondents (44%) were farming for
14 to 27 years followed by 1 to 13 years in farming with 28%. Twenty six percent were
farming for 28 to 41 years and only 2% were farming for 42 to 55 years. The data shows
that all the respondents vary according to the number of years they were engaged in
farming.
This finding implies that majority of the farmers were male, were between the age
of 30 to 60 years old, married, and have attained a low level of formal education. It can be
inferred also that all of the respondents were farmers and farming is the main source of
their income. Majority of the farmers were farming for more than ten years.\\
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
Madaymen is one of the seven barangays of Kibungan. It is the coldest area among
the seven barangays and where highland vegetable production thrives most. Madaymen is
bounded north of Ampusongan and Palina, south of Atok and Lubo, east of Catubo, Atok,
and west of Poblacion. It is located 70km from the la Trinidad, Trading post and 75km
from Baguio City, the key major market areas for vegetable in the province. The place
could be reached in three to four hours by land transportation. All of the population is
engaged in vegetable farming. This is their major source of income. Majority of the
respondents were farming for more than 10 years.
This study was conducted to find out if organic farming acceptable in the place,
awareness of farmers on organic farming, and reasons of farmers for not practicing organic
Assessment on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet
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farming. In order to get this information, 50 respondents were surveyed using a survey
questionnaire.
From the available data, all of the respondents are practicing conventional farming
in the area. Most of them heard about organic but did not practice it. There were reason for
their non-awareness and non-adoption of organic farming. For the non-awareness of
organic farming, most of the respondents mentioned that because nobody is practicing
organic farming in the area. Internal reasons for non-adoption of organic farming, most of
the respondents mentioned that because of inadequate knowledge and it is not convenient
to apply in the area. External reasons for non-adoption of organic farming, most of the
respondents mentioned that the soil fertility in the area has already gone and there are no
seminars and trainings about organic farming. For their other reason, most of them stated
that conventional farming is the practice they used to do.
Majority of the respondents mentioned that organic farming is sustainable. It is not
much of expenses that they can formulate their own fertilizer from the resources in the
environment. The easier to adopt for them is the conventional farming because the work is
easy (i.e. they just only spray the weeds and insect pests) that it is the practice that they
used to do until now. For them, organic is more economical in terms of inputs used.
Conventional requires specialized skill because they should know the kinds of chemicals
and their uses. They also need to read carefully the directions for the application of each
chemical. Organic farming does not require higher level of education because if you have
idea/information/seen from neighbors then you can apply it. For now, there are expert
facilitators to conduct seminars and trainings and the presence of guides. They believe that
Assessment on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet
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organically produced products are more nutritious than of the conventionally produced but
conventional products has the better appearance.
Organic farming is acceptable to most of them. Composting is the most mentioned
organic farming technologies that they like to practice because it is the organic farming
technology that they are aware of and that was practiced by some of the farmers. The work
is easy (composting of sunflower and weeds, degrading leaves of vegetables) if there is a
machine for composting. The support that was most needed is the technical support. They
specified materials (i.e. shredder to be used for composting), provide liquid fertilizers for
spraying, providing of inputs (i.e. seeds) and conduction of seminars and trainings. Market
support was also needed where government should established stable market to be sure that
the organic vegetable will be sold out or accepted in the market because market of organic
products is limited.
Conclusions
Based on the findings of the study the following conclusions were formulated:
1. Organic farming is acceptable in the place;
2. The farmers of Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet were not aware of organic
farming because of some reasons: nobody is practicing organic farming in our community,
there is no available information about organic farming and organic farming is not the
trending practice in the area; and,
Assessment on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet
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3. Organic farming is acceptable to the farmers but there were reasons for the
non-adoption of organic farming: inadequate knowledge, not convenient to apply, the soil
fertility in the area has already gone, there are no seminars and trainings about organic
farming and used to do with the easiest way (conventional farming).
Recommendations
From findings and conclusions the following recommendations were given:
1. Concerned agencies should provide assistance to farmers during conversion
period because farmers in the area used to do the conventional farming;
2. More seminars and trainings on organic. Make lecture on how the farmers can
adopt organic farming specially that the soil fertility in the area has already gone;
3. Concerned agencies should provide sustained technical supports, then this
concerned agencies have a visit in the place to ensure that the farmers are practicing and
using organic farming technologies that they provide. And also to monitor the other needed
support of the farmers. Establish stable market for organic vegetables to be sure that the it
will be sold out or accepted in the market because market of organic vegetables is limited;
and,
4. To encourage a shift into organic farming, concerned institution must provide
information, education, and training in the area. Input assistance is also recommended.
Government should give assurance that they will support organic farmers.
Assessment on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet
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LITERATURE CITED
BARKER, A.L. 2010. Science and Technology of Organic Farming. CRC Press Taylor
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DESHMUKH, U. 2012. Benefits of Organic Farming. Retrieved December 04, 2012.
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/benefits-of-organic-farming.html.
EMPISO, A.B. 2010. Perception of Farmers on Organic Vegetable Production in Bakun.
BS Thesis Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet. Pp. 1-2, 8-9.
HALPIN, D., G. LAWRENCE, S. LOCKIE, &K. LYONS. 2006. Going Organic.
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Athenaeum Press, Gateshead. Pp. 3-4.
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http://www.buzzle.com/articles/organic-farming-methods.html.
PILLAI,
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Assessment on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet
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