The rapid diffusion of modern technology has transformed farming systems around the world, triggering widespread shifts from subsistence to market-oriented production. Indeed, the application of intensive agricultural methods... [ view full abstract ]
The rapid diffusion of modern technology has transformed farming systems around the world, triggering widespread shifts from subsistence to market-oriented production. Indeed, the application of intensive agricultural methods have resulted in higher yield and income. However, the ecological and social consequences have set off debates about the sustainability of conventional (modern) farming, prompting the rise of local and international movements for alternative agriculture. In the Philippines’ vegetable sector, concerns about the impacts of current agricultural practices are emerging and driving path-breaking actions in policy, extension work and farmers deciding alternative ways to produce. The recent enactment of a national law legitimizing the advancement of organic agriculture in the country has boosted preceding efforts of various sectors. While government agencies are mandated to implement the policy, this research highlights the essential role of farmers, non-government organizations, academe and civic groups in advocating sustainable agriculture albeit the need for consolidated actions. Drawing from interviews of farmers, policy implementers and advocates in the largest vegetable producing province in northern Philippines, the study explores the challenges in the adoption and promotion of sustainable agriculture practices, particularly organic farming. Findings show that beyond the technological limitations of such methods, historically embedded factors also deter attempts to shift from conventional to sustainable production. As the presentation will illustrate, the institutionalization of a commercial vegetable industry in the locality has generated new social relations between farmers on one hand and market intermediaries and financial actors on the other. It is argued that the power asymmetry intrinsic in these arrangements serves to constrain farmers to conventional methods of production. Moreover, notions about what constitute good and successful farming differ between conventional and organic practitioners. The existence of entrenched elements, such as those found in the research setting, alludes to the significance of understanding local conditions and perspectives in policy implementation and advocacy for sustainable farming. The study also maintains that challenges notwithstanding, organic agriculture presents opportunities for the local economy and its stakeholders.
Keywords: challenges, opportunities, organic agriculture, vegetable industry, Philippines
