SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
S E N A T E  
SB No.4 3 0 9
S e n a te
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JAM 31 
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R E C tIV tO  o'
Introduced by Senator Poe
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND ENHANCING 
SUPPORT FOR SMALL ORGANIC FARMERS, AMENDING FOR THE PURI>OSE 
CERTAIN SECTIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10068 OR THE ORGANIC
AGRICULTURE ACT OF 2010
Explanatory Note
According to the National Statistics Office, the Philippine population is expected to 
increase to about 142 million by 2045. This is equivalent to 42 million Filipinos being bom 
in just a span of 30 years, given the current population of 100 million.
This projected increase in population presents a rather daunting task. According to the 
UN, population growth remains as the single most important driver of food demand In other 
words: As the population increases, so dues the demand fur fuud. In the case of a developing 
country like the Philippines, the impact of a burgeoning population is more likely to be felt in 
the next few years to come. It is therefore imperative to look for more sustainable ways 
towards meeting the food needs of every Filipino, now and in the future. Now is the time to 
think in terms of food security.
In many parts of the world, orgamc farming is increasingly recognized as a viable 
alternative to conventional farming towards achieving food security. In a statistics yearbook 
on latest global data on organic farming produced by the Research Institute of Organic 
rtgiieultuie (FiBL) and IFOAM -  Organics International, organic agriculture has indeed been 
increasingly taking the centerstage. From 200,000 producers in 1999, the numbers of organic 
producers increased to 2.3 million in 2014. Around 40 percent of this comes from Asia,
followed by Africa, and Latin America. A total of 172 countries are reportedly now engaged 
in organic activities.
As of 2014, the Philippines ranked 4th in the world in terms of the number of organic 
producers. In Asia, the Philippines is among the top ten (10) countries with the largest
organic area at 110,084 hectares or about 0.9 percent in terms of share to total agricultural 
land.


In 2010, the Philippines institutionalized the promotion and development of organic 
agriculture with the passage of Republic Act No. 10068 otherwise known as the Organic 
Agriculture Act of 2010. While the law and its corresponding program is supportive of the 
propagation of organic farming practices in the country, the government runs short of the 
necessary support that would genuinely serve the needs especially of small organic fanners 
and other small Filipino farmers and farmworkers wanting to shift to organic farming. The 
overall tone of Republic Act No. 10068 focuses on producing organic products for exports in 
the same profit-oriented framework of chemical-dependent agriculture as opposed to 
addressing the country’s food security and food self-sufficiency.
As an alternative approach, this representation humbly submits the following 
amendments to the measure;
• 
Conduct of a nationwide educational and awareness campaign among consumers 
on the benefits of consuming organic products;
• 
Adoption of the participatory guarantee system (PGS) as a certification process 
other than the third party certification;
• 
Protection of organic resources against cross contamination by genetically 
engineered organisms including crops, livestock and poultry, and marine products, 
among others;
• 
Provision of marketing assistance to organic producers that would ensure decent 
returns thus making organic venture sustainable.
In view of the foregoing, speedy approval of this bill is eagerly sought.
/  j/RACE POE


S e n a te
ififfit? of tJff
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHHTPPINES 
First Regular Session
S E N A T E
S B No JL3D9
RECEIVED ET:
Introduced by Senator Poe
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND ENHANCING 
SUPPORT FOR SMALL ORGANIC FARMERS, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE 
CERTAIN SECTIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10068 OR THE ORGANIC
AGRICULTURE ACT OF 2010
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Republic of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled:
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SECTION 1. Section 2 of Republic Act No. 10068 or the Organic Agriculture Act of 
2010 is hereby amended to read as follows:
It is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote, propagate, 
develop further, and implement the practice of ORGANIC FARMING 
AND OTHER SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PRACTICES in the 
Philippines that will cumulatively condition and enrich the fertility of the 
soil, increase farm productivity, AND FARMERS' INCOMES; reduce 
pollution and destruction of the environment, prevent the depletion of 
natural resources, further protect the health of farmers, consumers and the 
general public, [and] save on imported inputs, AND PROMOTE FOOD 
SELF SUFFICIENCY.
Towards this end, a comprehensive program for the promotion of 
community-based organic agriculture systems which include, among 
others, farmer produced purely organic fertilizers such as compost,
[pesticides] BIOPESTICIDES and other farm inputs, together with a


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nationwide educational and jDromotional camjDaign for their use and 
processing[,].
LIKEWISE, 
A 
NATIONWIDE 
EDUCATIONAL 
AND 
AWARENESS 
CAMPAIGN 
AMONG 
CONSUMERS 
ON 
THE 
BENEFITS OF CONSUMING ORGANIC PRODUCTS TO BOOST 
LOCAL PRODUCTION OF ORGANIC FOOD AND NON-FOOD 
PRODUCTS, as well as THE adoption of organic agricultural system 
AND OTHER METHODS as viable ALTERNATIVES TO IMPORT- 
BASED TOXIC FARMING METHODS shall be undertaken.
The State recognizes and supports the central role of the farmers, 
indigenous people, and other stakeholders at the grassroots in this 
program.
SECTION 2. Section 3 on definition of terms is hereby amended to read as follows:
a. 
Organic refers to the particular farming and processing 
systems, described in the standards and not in the classical chemical sense.
The term "organic" is synonymous in other languages to "bioIogicaP or 
"ecological." It is also a labelling term that denotes products considered 
organic based on the Philippine National Standards for organic 
agriculture;
XXX
c.
Organic production system is a system designed to:
(1) enhance biological diversity within the whole system;
XXX
(7) develop and promote the use of biotechnology in 
agriculture BASED ON THE PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE UNDER 
THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON BIODIVERSITY.
XXX


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g. 
I Commercialization| PROrAGATlON IS A PROCESS 
OF INTRODUCING NEW AGRICULTURAL AND FISHERY EITHER 
AS PRODUCT, PROCESS, OR SERVICE THAT HAS UNDERGONE 
THE INTENSIVE INNOVATIVE ACTIVITIES OF ASSESSMENT, 
PROMOTION, 
AND 
TRANSFER 
NOT 
NECESSARILY 
FOR 
COMMERCIAL PROFIT BUT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROMOTING 
ORGANIC AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES AND TECHNOLOGY 
ADAPTABLE TO THE LOCALITIES WHERE IT IS BEING 
INTRODUCED.
XXX
o. 
PARTICIPATORY GUARANTEE SYSTEMS (PGS) 
ARE LOCALLY FOCUSED QUALITY ASSURANCE SYSTEMS. 
THEY 
CERTIFY 
PRODUCERS 
BASED 
ON 
ACTIVE
PARTICIPATION OF STAKEHOLDERS AND ARE BUILT ON A 
FOUNDATION 
OF 
TRUST, 
SOCIAL 
NETWORKS, 
AND 
KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE.
SECTION 3. Section 4 On Coverage is hereby amended to read as follows:
The provisions of this Act shall apply to the development and 
promotion of organic agriculture and shall include, but not be limited to, 
the following:
a. 
Policy 
formulation 
on 
regulation, 
registration,
accreditation, certification, and labelling on organic agriculture;
XXX
c. 
Promotion and encouragement of the establishment of 
facilities, equipment, and processing plants that would accelerate the 
production and [COMMERCIALIZATION] PROPAGATION of the use 
of organic fertilizers, [PESTICIDES] BIO-PESTICIDES [HERBICIDES] 
BIO-HERBICIDES and other appropriate farm inputs; and


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d. 
Implementation of organic agricultural programs, projects, 
and activities, including the provision and delivery of support services 
with focus on the farmers, PRIORITIZING SMALL FARMERS AND 
THEIR ORGANIZATIONS, and other stakeholders
SECTION 4. Section 5 on the National Organic Agricultural Program is hereby 
amended to read as follows:
There is hereby established a comprehensive organic agricultural 
program through the 
promotion and 
[COMMERCIALIZATION] 
PROPAGATION of organic farming practices, cultivation, and adoption 
of production and processing methods which have already been 
developed, or to be developed, continuing research and upgrading thereof, 
the capacity building of farmers and the education of consumers thereon, 
the extension of assistance to local government units (LGUs), peoples' 
organizations (POs), nongovermnent organizations (NGOs), and other 
stakeholders including individuals and groups who are willing to do other 
pertinent activities, and documentation and evaluation of the program.
SECTION 5. Section 7 on the composition of the NOAB is hereby amended to read 
as follows:
The NOAB shall consist of:
a. 
The Secretary of Agriculture, or his duly authorized 
permanent representative, with a rank ofUndersecretary, as Chairperson;
XXX
The representatives of small farmers and NGOs, and of agricultural 
colleges and universities, shall be chosen by the Secretaries of Agriculture 
and Science and Technology respectively, from among nominees 
submitted to the agency concerned by their respective national 
organizations. These representatives must REPRESENT THE LARGEST


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MEMBERSHIP OF FARMERS' ORGANIZATIONS NATIONWIDE, 
PROMOTING 
ORGANIC 
AND 
OTHER 
SUSTAINABLE 
AGRICULTURE PRACTICES AND MEMBERSHIP ADAPTING 
ORGANIC FARMING, be conversant in organic agriculture and 
committed to the policies and programs provided under this Act.
SECTION 6. Section 16 on the registration of organic food and organic input 
producers is hereby amended to read as follows:
Registration of Organic Food and Organic Input Producers. -  All 
organic food and input establishments must register with the director,
BAFPS, registration under this section shall begin within ninety (90) days 
of the enactment of this Act. Each such registration shall be submitted to 
the director through and electronic portal and shall contain such 
information as the director by guidance may determine to be appropriate.
Such registration shall contain the following information:
a. 
The name, address and emergency contact information of 
each organic food or input establishment that the registrant owns or 
operates;
XXX
g. 
IN 
THE 
CASE 
OF 
DIRECT 
SELLING 
TO 
CONSUMERS, DONE BY SMALL OR FAMILY FARMERS, 
PREVIOUSLY 
REGISTERED 
WITH 
BAFPS 
OR 
LGU 
COUNTERPART, CERTIFICATION IS OPTIONAL.
SECTION 7. Section 17 on the Labeling of Organic produce is hereby amended to 
read as follows:
The label of organic produce shall contain the name, logo or seal 
of the organic certifying body and the accreditation number issued by the 
BAFPS. [ONLY THIRD PARTY CERTIFICATION] THE ORGANIC


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LABEL SHALL ALSO INCLUDE THE TRADE NAME AND ORIGIN 
ADDRESS OF THE PRODUCE.
XXX
SECTION 8. Section 19 on Availability of Trading post for Organic Inputs is hereby 
amended to read as follows:
Local chief executives shall establish, as far as practicable, at least 
one (1) trading post for organic inputs for every LGU in the area of 
jurisdiction. 
"THE 
AREA 
SHOULD 
BE 
IN 
AN 
AREA 
STRATEGICALLY LOCATED I.E., AT THE PUBLIC MARKET 
AREA, 
CENTERS 
OF 
TRADING 
AND 
LOCAL 
BUSINESS 
ACTIVITIES.
SECTION 9. Section 20 on Research, Development and Extension is hereby 
amended to read as follows:
The Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), as the lead agency, 
shall coordinate with the other agencies of the DA, the Department of 
Agrarian Reform (DAR), the Department of Science and Technology 
(DOST), the Department of Education (DepED), the Department of 
Interior and Local Government (DILG), the strategic agricultural-based 
state umversities and colleges (SUCs), including private organizations,
“AND NGOs and POs WITH ESTABLISHED TRACK RECORD IN 
THE PRACTICE OF SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL METHODS 
OF PRODUCTION” to develop, enhance, support and consolidate 
activities and related technologies for the formulation and implementation 
of a unified and integrated organic agriculture RDE plan and programs for 
the national to the field level. The organic agriculture RDE plans and 
programs shall include, but not limited to the following:


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a. 
Research, development and [COMMERCIALIZATION] 
"PROPAGATION” of appropriate, innovative and viable organic 
agricultural technologies;
b. 
Nationwide 
promotion 
of 
developed 
and
[COMMERCIALLY] viable biodegradable farm wastes and by-products 
through various extension strategies to accelerate the production, use and 
distribution of organic fertilizers; and
SECTION 10. Sections 25 through 31 are hereby amended to read as follows:
SECTION 25. PROTECTION OF INDIGENOUS ORGANIC 
RESOURCES 
AGAINST 
CROSS-CONTAMINATION. 
THE
INTEGRITY OF ORGANIC CROPS AND LIVESTOCK SHALL BE 
STRICTLY ENSURED AND MONITORED. RISK OF CROSS­
CONTAMINATION FROM ENGINEERED CROPS AND LIVESTOCK 
SHALL BE PREVENTED AT ALL TIMES. BAFPS SHALL MONITOR 
ALL APPLICATIONS FOR FIELD-TESTINGS/PRODUCTION OF 
ENGINEERED CROPS AND LIVESTOCK, AND SHALL HAVE THE 
TOWER TO DENY ANY APPLICATION IF IT FINDS SUFFICIENT 
CAUSE, THEREFOR.
ALL FIELD TESTING, PLANTING, OR RAISING OF 
GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS 
SHOULD NOT BE 
ALLOWED IN THE VICINITY WHERE ORGANIC FARMING IS 
BEING CONDUCTED. BAFOSM IN COORDINATION WITH NOAB, 
SHALL IMPLEMENT AN ORGANIC ZONE TO ESTABLISH THE 
RADIUS WHERE THE ORGANIC PRODUCE IS NOT IN DIRECT OR 
IMMEDIATE CONTACT OR INFLUENCE OF ENGINEERED 
ORGANISMS.
IN THE EVENT OF CONTAMINATION BY GENETICALY- 
MODIFIED ORGANISM, PATENTED OR OTHERWISE, THE LGU, 
BAFPS AND/OR ORGANIC PRODUCER MAY HOLD THE GMO


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PATENT 
OWNER 
LIABLE 
ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGES.
FOR 
ECONOMIC 
AND
SECTION 26. RECOGNITION OF LOCAL ORDINANCES 
AND OTHER ISSUANCES. CONSISTENT WITH ITS MANDATE 
UNDER SECTION 16 -  GENERAL WELFARE OF R.A. 7160, LOCAL 
GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUS) HAVE THE POWER TO ENACT 
ORDINANCES FOR THE GENERAL HEALTH AND WELFARE OF 
ITS CONSTITUENCY.
PURSUANT TO THIS, LOCAL ORDINANCES, POLICIES 
AND/OR ISSUANCES ON AGRICULTURE, INCLUDING BUT NOT 
LIMITED TO ORGANIC AGRICULTURE AND PROHIBITION OF 
GENETICALLY 
MODIFIED 
ORGANISMS, 
SHALL 
BE 
RECOGNIZED BY ALL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES.
LGUS, IN COORDINATION WITH BAFPS SHALL STRICTLY 
MONITOR THE CONDUCT OF AGRICULTURE IN ORDER TO 
ENSURE 
THE 
QUALITY 
AND 
INTEGRITY 
OF 
ORGANIC 
PRODUCE. TESTING OR FIELD TRIALS OF ANY TYPE OF 
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT OR METHOD SHALL REQUIRE LGU 
CLEARANCE APART FROM THE REQUIREMENTS SET BY THE 
GOVERNMENT AGENCY CONCERNED.
SEC. [25] 27. Appropriations, xxx
SEC. [26] 28 on Penal Provision. - Any person who wilfully and 
deliberately:
a. 
obstructs the development of propagation of organic 
agriculture, or the manufacture, production, sale or use of organic 
agricultural inputs. THIS MAY INCLUDE, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, 
ANY FORM OF HARASSMENT OR PERSECUTION OF GROUPS OR 
INDIVIDUALS PURSUING THE RIGHTS AND INTERESTS OF


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FARMERS IN FURTHERANCE OF THIS ACT, BY GROUPS OR 
INDIVIDUALS, 
CORPORATIONS 
OR 
JURIDICAL 
ENTITIES, 
INCLUDING GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS;
XXX
SEC. [27] 29. Implementing Rules and Regulations, x x x
SEC. [28] 30. Annual Report, xxx
SEC. [29] 3 I. Congressional Oversight Committee, xxx
SEC. [30] 32. Seperability Clause, xxx
SEC. [31] 33. Repealing Clause, xxx
SEC. [32] 34. Effectivity. xxx
SECTION 11. Repealing Clause. All other laws, acts, decrees, executive orders, 
issuances, and rules and regulations or parts thereof which are contrary to and inconsistent 
with any provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
SECTION 12. Seperability Clause. If any provision of this Act is subsequently 
declared unconstitutional, the validity of the remaining provisions hereof shall remain in full 
force and effect.
SECTION 13. Effectivity 0ause. This Act shall take effect immediately after its 
complete publication either in the official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation in 
the Philippines.
Approved,