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farmer-based research for information and technology transfer, broader
and favorable market linkages, and provision of alternative sources of
income.
Diversification of Farm Products. At the farm level the farmers are
involved in the production of organic rice, which is their main source of
income, along with backyard gardening, livestock, poultry, fish culture
and production of high-value crops.
Organic Rice Farming. Organic/natural or biodynamic farming
adheres to the laws of nature and life’s natural cycle. Various
complementary techniques and technologies have been applied
including Low External Inputs System of Agriculture (LEISA), System of
Rice Intensification (SRI), the Korean natural farming techniques, and
biodynamic technology. These methods do away with the use of synthetic
inputs.
Farmer-based Research. The program advocated and supported
farmer-based research through field trials, farm-to-farm visits, on-field
technical assistance, on-site farm planning, trainings and farm experience
documentation, external field exposures, and technology transfer. These
activities were undertaken to give the farmers field and first-hand
exposure to farming techniques and technologies. It also gave the farmers
the opportunity to learn from fellow farmers. Actual field experience and
sharing of knowledge served as learning laboratories that allowed cross
fertilization of farming technologies that led to the enhancement of farming
techniques and approaches.
Broader and Favorable Marketing Linkages. The program did not
stop at improving productivity but it also provided the necessary market
linkages for the farmers’ products. To create a broader and more
favorable market, the local government established a partnership with
the Kilolog Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative in the packaging,
promotion and marketing of DOFS products. The municipality also later
on encouraged local rice traders to participate in this venture. The
organic rice is now labeled and promoted as MagRice (Magsaysay
Rice) and is widely distributed within and outside the municipality.
As the production increased, marketing outlets in neighboring towns
were gradually established by the local government and partner
organizations. The increase in demand for organically grown MagRice
has encouraged more farmers to adopt the program and expand their
production areas in order to meet increasing market demand.
Dynamics of Biodynamic Farming 39