Column makes the case for organic farming as a buffer against El Niño

Organic farming deserves a bigger role in how Filipino farmers prepare for El Niño, according to a "Think On These" opinion column published by Edge Davao. The columnist argues that the approach is no longer just an alternative system but a practical tool for food security and climate adaptation.

The column describes El Niño as a recurring pattern of unusually warm Pacific Ocean temperatures that often brings below-normal rainfall to the Philippines. It notes that severe episodes can dry up rice fields, damage vegetable farms and cause significant losses for farmers.

The writer's central argument concerns soil. Organic farmers use compost, animal manure, green manures and crop rotation, which raise the soil's organic matter and help it hold moisture longer during dry spells. The column contrasts this with conventional systems, which it says can raise short-term yields through chemical fertilisers but may gradually weaken soil structure and its ability to conserve water. It adds that the biodiversity found on organic farms can help keep production steady when weather turns unfavourable.

The columnist also cites lower production costs, since many organic farmers make their own fertilisers and pest-control materials from local resources. Other benefits listed are reduced water pollution and soil degradation, and growing demand from health-conscious consumers.

On policy, the column points to Republic Act No. 10068, the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010, and Republic Act No. 11511, which introduced the Participatory Guarantee System to make certification more affordable for small farmers. It also mentions the Department of Agriculture's National Organic Agriculture Program, which supports training, certification assistance and market development.

Citing international data, the column says more than 14,000 producers are in certified organic farming in the Philippines, with about 1.8 percent of agricultural land under organic production. It adds that the real number of practitioners is likely higher, because certification costs and procedures discourage many small farmers from registering.

The writer concedes that organic farming is not a cure-all for the problems of Philippine agriculture, but argues it offers a practical path to healthier soils, safer food and greater resilience as El Niño events become more frequent and intense.