DA-BAR convened with stakeholders and research for development (R4D) partners to map out the future direction of the Organic Agriculture Research and Development, Extension Agenda and Programs (OARDEAP) in a consultative workshop held on November 24-26, 2025 in Quezon City.
“Ultimately, the OA RDEAP 2029–2033 will serve as a strategic guide that will contribute in shaping a dynamic and sustainable organic agriculture sector—one that enhances farmers’ livelihoods, safeguards public health, and contributes to environmental sustainability,” said Maylen V. Cunanan, BAR-NOAP R4D lead person.
In his opening message, DA-BAR OIC-Director Joell H. Lales urged the participants to intensify their efforts: “Let us collectively embrace this highly significant three-day event as a pivotal opportunity to further cultivate our shared expertise and intensify collaborative endeavors in the formulation of a more dynamic and sustainable OA RDEAP.”
Participated by focal persons and representatives from the National Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP) and regional field offices of DA, the National Organic Agriculture Board, academic and research institutions, the private sector, and various organic agriculture (OA) practitioners and advocates, the activity aimed to ensure that future initiatives are directly aligned with the pressing needs and emerging challenges faced by the organic agriculture industry.
Key discussions centered on the strategic plan and program initiatives of the DA-NOAP, an overview of OA R4D efforts by the DA-BAR and the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development as funding institutions, and research gaps and opportunities in the development of OA standards, as presented by the DA-Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards. Recent and ongoing OA R4D projects were also presented by the DA-Bureau of Plant Industry, DA-Philippine Coconut Industry, DA-Bureau of Animal Industry, and DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
Participants delved into potential key researchable and thematic areas, as well as the principal challenges and gaps concerning OA R4D activities and initiatives across five commodity groups: heirloom rice and cereal crops; fruits and plantation crops; vegetable, spices, and root crops; livestock and poultry; and fisheries during the breakout session.
The commodity groups emphasized challenges in the food supply systems, particularly issues related to low productivity, difficulties in pest and disease management, and the need for codes of practice and Philippine National Standards for other priority organically produced commodities.
DA-NOAP Director Bernadette F. San Juan, through her representative Advocacy and Policy Division Chief Lea C. Deriquito, underscored the importance of the activity as a crucial step toward establishing a more inclusive and adaptive medium-term OARDEAP in the Philippines.