Jimenez, Misamis Occidental---“Growing our own food can inspire us to take an interest in the origins of our food and make better choices about what we put on our plate. When we grow our own food, we savor it more because of the effort it took to get to the table”, Organic Agriculture point person Javier P. Andalan said.

His latest conduct of training on Organic Vegetable Production has never been timely at this time of pandemic since he intends to make the 20 participants, composing of farmers and Learning Site operator, produce organic vegetables.

During the training proper, the participants discussed and practiced the standards on organic agriculture for product integrity and for third party certification; proper cultural practices in the production of organic vegetables; identify organic methods of preventing and controlling pest and diseases for vegetables.

Part of their hand-on activities was the setting up of a square foot and container garden as well as prepare concoctions using locally available materials.

After the training, the participants received their respective starter kits as an extension support as well as b-net, pail, sprinkler, hand trowel, vegetable seeds (pinakbet), seedling trays and IEC materials.

“With this training, I learn the value of keeping nature safe & away from harm of man's undiciplined way of treating mother earth. Upon realization, we can undo whatever mistakes we made and it is true that what God has given to us will give us sustainability in life, and it will also help us maintain the best of nature. I also learned how the synthetic chemicals/fertilizer has done damage to earth & likewise human beings”, said Azucena S. Balat of Sta. Cruz, Jimenez, Misamis Occidental of Luther & Azucena Integrated Farm, Butuay, Jimenez.

The said training was facilitated and organized by Organic Agriculture point person Javier P. Andalan at DP Gold Farm, Jimenez, Misamis Occidental on November 18-19, 2020.