BIBLIOGRAPHY ARISON, LYNDON C.,...
BIBLIOGRAPHY
ARISON, LYNDON C., APRIL 2013. Assessmnet on Farmers’ Acceptability of
Organic Farming in Atok. Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Adviser: Evangeline B. Cungihan, MSc.
ABSTRACT
This study was conducted for the following objectives: to determine if organic farming is
acceptable in the place; to determine the farmers’ awareness on organic farming in the
place; and to identify the reasons of farmers for practicing organic farming or not practicing
organic farming in the area.
One hundred (100) respondents were interviewed randomly using a questionnaire
through personal interview. Data were organized and subjected to statistical computation
using frequency and percentage.
As to the awareness of farmers in Atok about organic farming almost all of the
respondents were aware of organic farming and the source of their information was in the
radio. Organic farming was also acceptable to the farmers of Atok but with different levels
of acceptability, twenty (20) respondents claimed that organic farming is strongly
acceptable to them; seventy (70) respondents acceptable and only ten (10) respondents
claimed that organic farming is less acceptable to them. Even though organic farming is
acceptable to the farmers of Atok, some of them were not practicing. The reasons of some
farmers of Atok for practicing organic farming were: beneficial to health, lesser capital,
Assessmnet on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Atok..
ARISON, LYNDON C., APRIL 2013
higher price, better quality, successful experiment, good effects to the environment and one
practitioner mentioned that she likes to revive the fertility of the soil. The reasons of the
respondents in not practicing or not adopting organic farming were the following: they
have inadequate knowledge about organic farming and because of this problem they cannot
go into it and for the external reasons for the farmers in not adopting is the limited market
outlet, and it takes time to revive the fertility of the soil.
From the result of this study, it was recommended that since organic farming is
acceptable to the farmers of Atok, government and other concerned agencies must assist
them in their needs especially through seminars and trainings which should be held in their
locality. Furthermore, affordable credit should also be provided and more market outlet for
the organic vegetables.
Assessmnet on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Atok..
ARISON, LYNDON C., APRIL 2013
INTRODUCTION
Rationale
Pablo (2004), cited that organic is not new in the country and a number of
technologies and strategies have been well studied and adapted in some areas of Benguet
already. In fact, a number of specialized farms have been stabilized and profitability
growing organic vegetables and other crops and livestock. However, there is no single
package of technology in organic farming for farmers to use or to refer to.
According to Pablo (2004), 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 using indigenous methods. These indigenous methods were coupled with 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.
Organic farming does not mean going back to traditional methods. However, many
of the farming methods used in the past are still useful today. The method today combines
these traditional methods 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
nature and farming, where crops and animals can grow and thrive (Rodale, 1971).
Assessmnet on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Atok..
ARISON, LYNDON C., APRIL 2013
The farmer would use a range of organic methods at the same time to allow them
to work together for the maximum benefit. For example, the use of green manure and
careful cultivation, together provide better control of weeds than if the techniques were
used on their own.
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 of 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 of pesticide and synthetic fertilizer are
minimized if not avoided (Adonis, 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 contains C, K, P (Pro-vitamin A) as well
as 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).
Atok is a 4th class municipality of Benguet province. According to the 2007 census,
it has a population of 19,253 people in 3,397 households. The name of the municipality
was derived from its location. It is a short term of the phrase ‘‘nay patok shi chontog” which
Assessmnet on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Atok..
ARISON, LYNDON C., APRIL 2013
means “on the mountain top”. Atok has a land area of 22,385 hectares or 223.85 square
kilometer. A great portion of the land is mountainous hence the highest point in the
Philippine Highway System (Halsema Highway) is located in the municipality at 7,400 ft.
above sea level. Organic vegetable farmers in Atok form an organization, “Atok Organic
Practitioners Association” (ATOPA) through the help of the Atok municipal government.
This association is helping the farmers in marketing their products and assisting them in
terms of technical support.
Assessmnet on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Atok..
ARISON, LYNDON C., APRIL 2013
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
History of Organic Farming
Organic farming is not a new idea as it was being practiced since the start of
farming. Before the advent of chemical fertilizer and pesticides, whatever was being grown
can be called as an organic product. However the official, credit of fathering Indian organic
farming goes to Albert Howard 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 or 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 inputs. 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
Assessmnet on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Atok..
ARISON, LYNDON C., APRIL 2013
farming. 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).
Assessmnet on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Atok..
ARISON, LYNDON C., APRIL 2013
METHODOLOGY
Locale and Time of the Study
The study was conducted in all the eight barangays of the municipality of Atok,
Benguet namely; Abiang, Topdac, Poblacion, Caliking, Naguey, Pasdong, Paoay, and
Cattubo on December 2012 to January 2013. The study site is shown in Figure 1.
Respondents of the Study
The respondents of the study were 100 farmers obtained through random sampling.
Data Gathering Procedure
The data of the study was gathered with the use of interview schedule containing
the necessary questions to answer the objectives 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 the farmers’ interest.
Data Analysis
The data gathered was evaluated and interpreted by the researcher according to the
objectives of the study. Frequency and percentage were the statistical tools used in the
analysis.
Assessmnet on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Atok..
ARISON, LYNDON C., APRIL 2013
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Demographic Profile of Respondents
Table 1 shows the demographic profile of the respondents according to their gender,
marital 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 75 years old wherein 20% were 20-
30 years old, 16% 31 - 40, 34% 41 - 50, 26% 51 -60, and only 4% 61-75 years old. The
finding shows that the respondents were distributed between the young and old farmers.
Gender and marital status. There were more male respondents (69%) than the
female (31%).Most of them were married (83%), 13% single and 4% were
widow/widower.
Educational attainment. The respondents vary in their educational attainment.
There were 26% elementary, 46% High School, 26% college, and 2% had vocational
course.
Occupation. As expected, the most dominant occupation was farming (95%)
followed by self-employed/laborer (12%) and government employee (5%).The data
showed that farming is the common occupation of the respondents.
Source of income. As to the source of income, result shows that farming is the
common source of income with 88%, wages with 15%, business with11% and lastly salary
with 5%.
Assessmnet on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Atok..
ARISON, LYNDON C., APRIL 2013
Type of farming. Majority of the respondents were practicing conventional farming
(67%), organic farming (12%), and 21% were practicing both organic and conventional
farming. The data implies that conventional farming is more dominant in the municipality
of Atok.
No. of years engaged in farming. The respondents vary according to the number of
years engaged in farming. Fifteen percent had been farming for less than five years, 19%
5-15 years, 31% 11-20 years, 28% 21-30 years, 6% 31-40 years, and lastly, only 1% for
41-50 years. This implies that some of the respondents have just started farming while
some have already been farming for a long time.
Assessmnet on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Atok..
ARISON, LYNDON C., APRIL 2013
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
The study was conducted last December, 2012 to January, 2013 in the eight
Barangays of the Municipality of Atok. It was conducted for the following objectives: 1)
to determine if organic farming is acceptable in the place; 2)to determine the farmers’
awareness on organic farming in that place, and 3) to identify the reasons of farmers for
practicing or not practicing organic farming in that area.
One hundred respondents were interviewed through guide questions. As the result
of the data gathered 97% of the respondents were aware and only 3% were not aware of
organic farming. For the acceptability, 100% of the respondents said that if all the needed
support would be available or provided they are willing to adopt or accept organic farming.
As for the reasons of adopting and not adopting organic farming in Atok, the main external
factor or reason that affect the adaptation of organic farming is it takes long time to revive
the fertility of the soil (65%) and the limited market outlet. The main internal factor or
reason that affects the respondents of not adopting organic farming was inadequate
knowledge (69%). Respondents are asking for more seminars and trainings to be conducted
in there locality so that they can attend easily and learn more about organic farming
specially for the components of organic farming. And for the factors or reasons of the
respondents in practicing organic farming were the following: beneficial to health, lesser
capital needed, higher price, better quality, successful experiment and lastly it have good
Assessmnet on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Atok..
ARISON, LYNDON C., APRIL 2013
effects on the environment. One organic practitioner also mentioned that she adopt organic
farming because she like to revive the fertility of the soil of her farm.
Conclusions
Base on the findings of the study the following conclusions were formulated:
1. Farmers in Atok, Benguet are generally aware of organic farming and that
component of organic farming known by most of the farmers is the use of compost in the
farm; and
2. Organic farming is acceptable to almost all the farmers in Atok and they are
willing to go into organic farming as long as technical, financial, material inputs, and
marketing supports would be provided to them since majority of those not adopting organic
farming is due to limited market outlet and their problem on reviving the fertility of the
soil.
Recommendations
Since farmers of Atok are willing to shift and some were already practicing organic
farming, government and other concerned agencies must provide all of their need specially
seminars and training respectively to their place in order for them to understand more what
organic farming is. Affordable credit should also be provided and more market outlet for
organic products should be established so that farmers would not be discouraged to go into
organic farming.
Assessmnet on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Atok..
ARISON, LYNDON C., APRIL 2013
LITERATURE CITED
ADONIS, D. L. 2005. Organic Farming Experience; The case of Samuel Cabanse,
Experience in Agriculture Production Congress held in Benguet,
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.
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. Pp. 12-13.
DE LA CRUZ, R. T.2004. Growing Vegetables Organically. BAR Research and
Development Digest. Bureau of Agricultural Research Department of Agriculture.
Pp. 1-2,and 9.
DESHMUKH, S. N. 2010. Organic Farming: Principles, Prospects, and Problems.
AGROBIOSINDIA: Bharat Printing Press, Jodhpur. Pp. 16-17.
DIVER, S., KUEPER, G., and SAMPSON, J. 2002. Sources of Organic Fertilizers and
Amendments. Agronomy Resource list. ATTRA-NSAIS. Posted at
www.attra.ncat/attra-pub/orgtext.html.
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.
KRISTIANNSEN, 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. 11.
RODALE, J. I. 1971. The Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening. Retrieved November 13,
2012 from http://www.business dictionary.com/definition/organic-farming.html.
Assessmnet on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Atok..
ARISON, LYNDON C., APRIL 2013
ARISON, LYNDON C., APRIL 2013. Assessmnet on Farmers’ Acceptability of
Organic Farming in Atok. Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Adviser: Evangeline B. Cungihan, MSc.
ABSTRACT
This study was conducted for the following objectives: to determine if organic farming is
acceptable in the place; to determine the farmers’ awareness on organic farming in the
place; and to identify the reasons of farmers for practicing organic farming or not practicing
organic farming in the area.
One hundred (100) respondents were interviewed randomly using a questionnaire
through personal interview. Data were organized and subjected to statistical computation
using frequency and percentage.
As to the awareness of farmers in Atok about organic farming almost all of the
respondents were aware of organic farming and the source of their information was in the
radio. Organic farming was also acceptable to the farmers of Atok but with different levels
of acceptability, twenty (20) respondents claimed that organic farming is strongly
acceptable to them; seventy (70) respondents acceptable and only ten (10) respondents
claimed that organic farming is less acceptable to them. Even though organic farming is
acceptable to the farmers of Atok, some of them were not practicing. The reasons of some
farmers of Atok for practicing organic farming were: beneficial to health, lesser capital,
Assessmnet on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Atok..
ARISON, LYNDON C., APRIL 2013
higher price, better quality, successful experiment, good effects to the environment and one
practitioner mentioned that she likes to revive the fertility of the soil. The reasons of the
respondents in not practicing or not adopting organic farming were the following: they
have inadequate knowledge about organic farming and because of this problem they cannot
go into it and for the external reasons for the farmers in not adopting is the limited market
outlet, and it takes time to revive the fertility of the soil.
From the result of this study, it was recommended that since organic farming is
acceptable to the farmers of Atok, government and other concerned agencies must assist
them in their needs especially through seminars and trainings which should be held in their
locality. Furthermore, affordable credit should also be provided and more market outlet for
the organic vegetables.
Assessmnet on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Atok..
ARISON, LYNDON C., APRIL 2013
INTRODUCTION
Rationale
Pablo (2004), cited that organic is not new in the country and a number of
technologies and strategies have been well studied and adapted in some areas of Benguet
already. In fact, a number of specialized farms have been stabilized and profitability
growing organic vegetables and other crops and livestock. However, there is no single
package of technology in organic farming for farmers to use or to refer to.
According to Pablo (2004), 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 using indigenous methods. These indigenous methods were coupled with 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.
Organic farming does not mean going back to traditional methods. However, many
of the farming methods used in the past are still useful today. The method today combines
these traditional methods 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
nature and farming, where crops and animals can grow and thrive (Rodale, 1971).
Assessmnet on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Atok..
ARISON, LYNDON C., APRIL 2013
The farmer would use a range of organic methods at the same time to allow them
to work together for the maximum benefit. For example, the use of green manure and
careful cultivation, together provide better control of weeds than if the techniques were
used on their own.
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 of 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 of pesticide and synthetic fertilizer are
minimized if not avoided (Adonis, 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 contains C, K, P (Pro-vitamin A) as well
as 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).
Atok is a 4th class municipality of Benguet province. According to the 2007 census,
it has a population of 19,253 people in 3,397 households. The name of the municipality
was derived from its location. It is a short term of the phrase ‘‘nay patok shi chontog” which
Assessmnet on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Atok..
ARISON, LYNDON C., APRIL 2013
means “on the mountain top”. Atok has a land area of 22,385 hectares or 223.85 square
kilometer. A great portion of the land is mountainous hence the highest point in the
Philippine Highway System (Halsema Highway) is located in the municipality at 7,400 ft.
above sea level. Organic vegetable farmers in Atok form an organization, “Atok Organic
Practitioners Association” (ATOPA) through the help of the Atok municipal government.
This association is helping the farmers in marketing their products and assisting them in
terms of technical support.
Assessmnet on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Atok..
ARISON, LYNDON C., APRIL 2013
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
History of Organic Farming
Organic farming is not a new idea as it was being practiced since the start of
farming. Before the advent of chemical fertilizer and pesticides, whatever was being grown
can be called as an organic product. However the official, credit of fathering Indian organic
farming goes to Albert Howard 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 or 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 inputs. 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
Assessmnet on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Atok..
ARISON, LYNDON C., APRIL 2013
farming. 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).
Assessmnet on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Atok..
ARISON, LYNDON C., APRIL 2013
METHODOLOGY
Locale and Time of the Study
The study was conducted in all the eight barangays of the municipality of Atok,
Benguet namely; Abiang, Topdac, Poblacion, Caliking, Naguey, Pasdong, Paoay, and
Cattubo on December 2012 to January 2013. The study site is shown in Figure 1.
Respondents of the Study
The respondents of the study were 100 farmers obtained through random sampling.
Data Gathering Procedure
The data of the study was gathered with the use of interview schedule containing
the necessary questions to answer the objectives 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 the farmers’ interest.
Data Analysis
The data gathered was evaluated and interpreted by the researcher according to the
objectives of the study. Frequency and percentage were the statistical tools used in the
analysis.
Assessmnet on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Atok..
ARISON, LYNDON C., APRIL 2013
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Demographic Profile of Respondents
Table 1 shows the demographic profile of the respondents according to their gender,
marital 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 75 years old wherein 20% were 20-
30 years old, 16% 31 - 40, 34% 41 - 50, 26% 51 -60, and only 4% 61-75 years old. The
finding shows that the respondents were distributed between the young and old farmers.
Gender and marital status. There were more male respondents (69%) than the
female (31%).Most of them were married (83%), 13% single and 4% were
widow/widower.
Educational attainment. The respondents vary in their educational attainment.
There were 26% elementary, 46% High School, 26% college, and 2% had vocational
course.
Occupation. As expected, the most dominant occupation was farming (95%)
followed by self-employed/laborer (12%) and government employee (5%).The data
showed that farming is the common occupation of the respondents.
Source of income. As to the source of income, result shows that farming is the
common source of income with 88%, wages with 15%, business with11% and lastly salary
with 5%.
Assessmnet on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Atok..
ARISON, LYNDON C., APRIL 2013
Type of farming. Majority of the respondents were practicing conventional farming
(67%), organic farming (12%), and 21% were practicing both organic and conventional
farming. The data implies that conventional farming is more dominant in the municipality
of Atok.
No. of years engaged in farming. The respondents vary according to the number of
years engaged in farming. Fifteen percent had been farming for less than five years, 19%
5-15 years, 31% 11-20 years, 28% 21-30 years, 6% 31-40 years, and lastly, only 1% for
41-50 years. This implies that some of the respondents have just started farming while
some have already been farming for a long time.
Assessmnet on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Atok..
ARISON, LYNDON C., APRIL 2013
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
The study was conducted last December, 2012 to January, 2013 in the eight
Barangays of the Municipality of Atok. It was conducted for the following objectives: 1)
to determine if organic farming is acceptable in the place; 2)to determine the farmers’
awareness on organic farming in that place, and 3) to identify the reasons of farmers for
practicing or not practicing organic farming in that area.
One hundred respondents were interviewed through guide questions. As the result
of the data gathered 97% of the respondents were aware and only 3% were not aware of
organic farming. For the acceptability, 100% of the respondents said that if all the needed
support would be available or provided they are willing to adopt or accept organic farming.
As for the reasons of adopting and not adopting organic farming in Atok, the main external
factor or reason that affect the adaptation of organic farming is it takes long time to revive
the fertility of the soil (65%) and the limited market outlet. The main internal factor or
reason that affects the respondents of not adopting organic farming was inadequate
knowledge (69%). Respondents are asking for more seminars and trainings to be conducted
in there locality so that they can attend easily and learn more about organic farming
specially for the components of organic farming. And for the factors or reasons of the
respondents in practicing organic farming were the following: beneficial to health, lesser
capital needed, higher price, better quality, successful experiment and lastly it have good
Assessmnet on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Atok..
ARISON, LYNDON C., APRIL 2013
effects on the environment. One organic practitioner also mentioned that she adopt organic
farming because she like to revive the fertility of the soil of her farm.
Conclusions
Base on the findings of the study the following conclusions were formulated:
1. Farmers in Atok, Benguet are generally aware of organic farming and that
component of organic farming known by most of the farmers is the use of compost in the
farm; and
2. Organic farming is acceptable to almost all the farmers in Atok and they are
willing to go into organic farming as long as technical, financial, material inputs, and
marketing supports would be provided to them since majority of those not adopting organic
farming is due to limited market outlet and their problem on reviving the fertility of the
soil.
Recommendations
Since farmers of Atok are willing to shift and some were already practicing organic
farming, government and other concerned agencies must provide all of their need specially
seminars and training respectively to their place in order for them to understand more what
organic farming is. Affordable credit should also be provided and more market outlet for
organic products should be established so that farmers would not be discouraged to go into
organic farming.
Assessmnet on Farmers’ Acceptability of Organic Farming in Atok..
ARISON, LYNDON C., APRIL 2013
LITERATURE CITED
ADONIS, D. L. 2005. Organic Farming Experience; The case of Samuel Cabanse,
Experience in Agriculture Production Congress held in Benguet,
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.
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. Pp. 12-13.
DE LA CRUZ, R. T.2004. Growing Vegetables Organically. BAR Research and
Development Digest. Bureau of Agricultural Research Department of Agriculture.
Pp. 1-2,and 9.
DESHMUKH, S. N. 2010. Organic Farming: Principles, Prospects, and Problems.
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ARISON, LYNDON C., APRIL 2013