Climate Change and Agriculture

When nature shows its wrath, we uncontrollably find ourselves in a quandary.
When Dr. Gary Garriot of Winrock International visited NOGROCOMA recently, we had a farmers’ meeting. Typhoon “Crising” left in its wake rotten onions damaged by the rain. It was at that meeting when a farmer shared his feeling about this debacle. He said the onion farmers are technology-savvy. He knows how to take care of his onions. Given the experience and NOGROCOMA’s never-ending technology seminars, once he plants his onions, giving proper nutrients and care, in 90 or 120 days, he can produce onions ready for the market. It is only when nature shows its wrath through this so called “climate change” do we find ourselves in a quandary. All the four months of hard work gone to waste. Because the months of April and May are traditionally harvest months, a time when the heat of summer is necessary for harvesting. But our climate has changed that and we are unable to adjust. His heartache is evident.
NOGROCOMA has been identified as a food enterprise able to meet the challenges of globalization. It will be featured as one of 24 case studies of food enterprises all over the world. Winrock has been working for the Melinda and Bill Gates Foundation for the project.
Farmers and fisherfolk monthI attended the last activity of farmers and fisherfolk month at the Department of Agriculture.
Moving the agriculture agenda forward-in the three projects marked the event. As an observer of agriculture, I fully support the initiatives as it is all about markets. As we all know, AFMA, which is acronym for Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act is pushing for a market-led, and a technology-based development of agriculture. For example, the launching of the “Pinoy Agri Kart” is a new approach to promote export quality Philippine-made agri fishery and food products from start-up entrepreneurs and SMEs. It is a wonderful realization that we have in our country a lot of exportgrade products that can be marketed worldwide. Again, the work of government to push this agenda is both encouraging and gives hope to entrepreneurs and SMES. It is presented in a specially designed mini-jecpney, a popular Filipino transport icon. It is envisioned to bring Philippine food .products to consumers here and abroad. The Pinoy Agri Kart is also offered as an alternative livelihood enterprise for OFWs and retirees under a Social Franchising Scheme.
Another example is the capsule-laying of DA Food Market and Export Center. When completed, the facility will serve as the DA’s fresh food market ‘cum convenience store, catering to the food needs of households, government and private office workers along the Elliptical Circle and adjoining communities. It will also showcase and sell export-quality food and agri-based products to the general public, thus serving as an extension retail area of the “Agribusiness Showroom” at the DA lobby. Various food products will be sourced directly from organized farmers and fisherfolk groups and cooperatives. The facility will be managed by the DA Multi-Purpose Cooperative (DAMC) in partnership with the DA-AMAS. In this initiative, the National Marketing Umbrella (NMU) can be part of the advisory board.
The last example is a market linkage initiative. The Secretary demonstrated aconference call between buyers of tuna and other processed food-to exporters in Manila. Farmers can also share their agricultural feats. The hall was transformed into a virtual TV studio. It is a simulation of a new and dynamic DA providing technical assistance and market linkage in real time anywhere in the world.
The celebration which started with a thanksgiving mass and ended with “boodle - fight” lunch shows the reaching out of DA to its employees and constituents-farmers and the private sector. TFWAAR and consultations on RP’s outstanding rice commitments under AFTA-CEPT.
The World Trade Organization (WTO) Doha round is at a standstill since last December 2008. It is now awaiting the move of the U.S. under the Obama administration. The new administration is presently finishing a review of where we are in terms of the failed negotiation. They suggested that we skip the modalities and think out-of-the-box. Most members do not agree with this move as this would mean bilateral instead of multilateral negotiations.
While we are on the final dialogue to discuss the Philippines commitment for rice where Indonesia and Malaysia have committed 25% and 20% respectively, the Philippine representatives have yet to present our proposal. Rice commitments under AFTA were ably presented by Assistant Secretary Preceles Manzo. The DA rice program under Rice Selfsufficiency 2009-2013 under program F.I.E.L.D.S. was also ably discussed by Dr.Francisco Malabanan, GMA Rice Program coordinator. The program projects rice self-sufficiency by 2013.
As I sit back and internalize the initiatives of DA, I feel we are in good hands in so far as food sufficiency is concerned. I am again energized to continue my volunteer work at DA. Our efforts are not all in vain. And the Department is working doubly hard to achieve set goals. The Philippines will never go hungry.