New book says farmer-led sustainable agriculture achieves food security
With the ever-increasing cost of agricultural inputs such as the chemical fertilizers and pesticides, the growing awareness among consumers of the health advantages of organic food, and the mounting threat of climate change due to environmental degradation, the need for a more sustainable farming system is greater than ever.
In the Philippines, a new book testifies to the incredible impact of a farmer-led sustainable agriculture and how it has helped the small-scale farmers ensure food for their family and assert their basic rights. The book “Food Security and Farmer Empowerment” contains the results of a ground-breaking study of sustainable agriculture as practiced by MASIPAG. The study, which covered 840 organic, partially organic and conventional farmers, is said to be one of the largest research conducted about organic rice-based agricultural systems or on sustainable agriculture in Asia.
The extensive study showed that organic farmers have better yields, significantly higher income, food security and social empowerment while conserving the vast genetic resources. It has also been observed that diversification practices, as well as seed conservation and improvement are relevant in coping against the effects of climate change.
A launching of the book will be held on May 19, 2009, 11:00AM at the Knowledge Development Center (KDC) in Central Philippine University (CPU). Elizabeth Cruzada, one of the authors will be present to discuss the book, as well as farmers and scientists from different provinces. All media persons are invited to come. For more information, please contact Georie Pitong, MASIPAG-Visayas Regional Coordinator at 0920-917-5737 or Eloisa Bosito, Information Officer at 0915--258-5589.