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Negros Occidental

Negros Island Organic Farmers Festival

Negros Island Organic Farmers Festival is an annual gathering of organic farms and farm workers in the last Saturday of November in Negros. A four-day event, it is a celebration that promotes farming based on organic, agricultural practices.

The province of Negros Occidental is touted as the organic agriculture capital of the Philippines.

History of Negros Island Organic Farmers Festival

The history of Negros is tied with agriculture. It has been a major sugar producer and exporter since the Spanish colonial period. During the Marcos administration, the sugar boom fell due to the entry of sugar alternatives in the global market, a decrease in the price of the commodity, and reportedly the result of “economic mismanagement and corruption.” The local economy cratered and there was widespread famine and malnutrition. See also the history of MassKara Festival.

The push towards organic farming had its roots in 1980s when Sustainable Agricultural Program was formed by private institutions and non-government organizations. It was prompted by the goal to feed every citizen in ways that are sustainable and safe. Among those spearheaded in those early days were Alter Trade Corporation and Broad Initiatives for Negros Development and the Buro-buro Vermi Farm in Talisay City.

The two provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental established mutual relation with the aim of putting the island on the map of organic farming and earning the credit of being the Organic Food Bowl of Asia. It was formalized through a memorandum of agreement between George Arnaiz (Negros Oriental Governor) and Joseph Marñon (Negros Occidental Governor) on August 4, 2005.

In the same year, Negros Island Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development was founded.

In 2006, the first ever Negros Island Organic Farmers Festival was organized. A year later, Organic na Negros! Organic Producers and Retailers Association was formed.

It was put on hold in 2020 and 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was later re-staged in 2022.

Negros Island Organic Farmers Festival Activities

Events in Negros Island Organic Farmers Festival are held in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, particularly in the provincial capital ground as well as in South Capital Road.

One of the many highlights of the festival is the Organic Fair and Exhibit. Opened in all days of the festival calendar, its booths and display welcome visitors all day long. It boasts of farm produce, products, and various merchandise.

In addition, there are caravans, competitions, awarding ceremony, talent’s night, cultural shows, and cook fest. A series of seminars, workshops, and conventions are also slated that covers wide-ranging topics regarding sustainable farming and fishing, indigenous people, organic agriculture, water conservation, entrepreneurship, women and youth empowerment, food and beverages, and health and wellness.

How to reach Bacolod City

Bacolod City is accessible through its airport. One can also arrange inter-island transport from neighboring islands and land trips to and from Negros Oriental.

References

Negros Island Organic Farmers Festival Summary

NameNegros Island Organic Farmers Festival
Contact(034) 433 9853
CountryPhilippines
DateLast Saturday of November
Duration4 days
Emailoaneg.occ@gmail.com
Established2006
Facebookwww.facebook.com
FounderGeorge Arnaiz, Joseph Marñon
LocationBacolod City, Negros Occidental
OrganizerNegros Occidental, Negros Oriental
Twittertwitter.com