"Teamwork for organic agriculture and biotechnology must be tapped to achieve the quest for higher agricultural production and sustainable environment," said Tanjay City Agriculturist Boy Diputado during the ASFARNET Philippines-led Agricultural Forum: Understanding Agri-biotechnology and its Benefits, held last October 22 at Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, Philippines. He added that based on his understanding, both agricultural practices could provide higher yield, and safer and healthier food for both the public and the environment. He believes that both interventions can positively impact farmers and consumers, as well as enrich biodiversity in the island.

Similarly, Provincial Corn Coordinator of Negros Oriental Medardo Villalon said that all agricultural opportunities must be provided to the farmers in the island in order for them to meet diverse market potentials. He added that a careful combination of organic agriculture and biotechnology will be perfect for subsistence farmers and market-oriented farmers in Negros' agricultural industry.

Meanwhile, Chemin Teves, a farmer from the island, saw biotechnology as an opportunity to increase farming income and reduce agricultural inputs. Based on his 3-year experience in planting Bt corn, he was able to increase yield by as much as 6 tons compared with conventional corn. Currently, he is also trying the herbicide tolerant corn and is optimistic on saving his capital and getting more profit from using these biotech seeds.

ASFARNET Philippines, a coalition of farmer-leaders in the country, is continuously undertaking a sustained farmer-driven education campaign to enhance biotechnology understanding, sharing and exchange of farmer experiences in biotech adoption.

For more information on biotechnology updates in the Philippines, visit http://www.bic.searca.org or emailbic@agri.searca.org.