By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD CITY—Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson lauded participants of the 17th Organic Farmers Festival and 2nd Terra Madre Visayas, which concluded on Saturday.
The governor warmly welcomed Mathew John, president of the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) Asia, who served as the event’s distinguished guest of honor.
Lacson expressed gratitude to organizers, participants, partners, and advocates for their invaluable contributions to the success of the five-day festival, which began on November 19.
“You are the driving force behind this festival’s success, and together, we will continue to champion the cause of healthy food, sustainable livelihoods, and environmental stewardship,” he said.
He emphasized that the festival celebrated collaborative efforts while promoting initiatives essential to the future of sustainable agriculture.
During the closing ceremony, winners of the Best Booth and other contests were recognized and awarded.
In a press statement, the Group of Environmental Socialists (GOES) praised the provincial government for spearheading the event, which aims to promote and celebrate organic farming in Negros Occidental.
The festival showcased a variety of organic products, from fresh produce to processed goods, emphasizing the significance of sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices.
However, GOES also highlighted concerns about the integrity and certification of products displayed at the event.
Ariel Dela Cruz, key coordinator of GOES and a respected farmer, called for stricter adherence to the certification processes established by the Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Standards (BAFS).
Dela Cruz stressed that consumers deserve access to officially certified organic products.
In his statement, Dela Cruz reaffirmed his commitment to consumer protection and ensuring that all products meet required organic certification standards.
As a practitioner of natural farming, Dela Cruz chose not to participate in the festival, citing his commitment to integrity and transparency in the organic farming industry.
Despite his concerns, he commended the provincial government for its dedication to promoting organic farming and maintaining product credibility.
He urged farmers and the government to uphold certification laws and standards to protect consumer rights.
“May this celebration be a wake-up call for all participating farmers and government entities to ensure compliance with standards and uphold the rights of consumers,” Dela Cruz said.