The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Negros Occidental approved on first reading an ordinance banning the entry, importation and introduction of genetically-modified plants and animals in the province.

However, the passage of the ordinance for second reading was deferred yesterday by the SP as recommended by Board Member Adolfo Mangao, SP committee chairperson on Agriculture, for the lack of a public hearing. The proposed ordinance authored by Mangao, also calls for instituting stringent measures towards the protection of biodiversity and attainment of the status of Negros as an organic food island.

The People's Agricultural Plan for the 21st Century and the Negros Organic Agriculture Movement, a network of non-government and people's organizations, academe and civil society groups, are among those engaged in the promotion and advocacy of organic agriculture.

In Negros Oriental, some organic farmers are hesitant to adopt the full organic farming system despite the government's promotion for them to switch to the organic system.

Rice farmer Danny Rosales admitted he cannot immediately adopt the 100 percent organic farming because, just like diesel, organic system is cheap but its growth effect is slow; and a farmer cannot achieve the two croppings every year; and the supply of organic fertilizer in the market cannot cope with the supply and demand.

Rosales said they have tried using organic fertilizer but it showed a slow growth effect on the ricefield.

He suggested that organic farming be introduced and implemented in farms in a step-by-step process. This will give farmers sufficient time to adjust and adopt the system, he added.*GPB

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