Exhibiting at IFEX Philippines 2025

The DA - National Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP) is the flagship initiative of the Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) to institutionalize organic farming practices nationwide. As a policy and implementation framework, NOAP promotes ecologically sustainable and economically viable agricultural methods that enhance soil fertility, increase farm productivity, and improve health outcomes through chemical-free food systems.

Core Business and Objectives

NOAP was formally launched through Republic Act No. 10068, also known as the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010, with the goal of mainstreaming organic agriculture as a pillar of rural development. It is managed by the National Program Coordinating Office (NPCO) under the supervision of the DA.

Key objectives include:

• Increasing the share of organic agriculture in the national farming system
• Providing institutional and financial support to organic farmers
• Supporting the development of local and export markets for organic products
• Promoting the adoption of Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) and third-party certifications

Product and Service Offerings

NOAP delivers various forms of support and services to stakeholders in the organic agriculture ecosystem:

• Policy and Standards Development:

  • Formulation of national standards on organic crop production, livestock, aquaculture, and input production

• Capacity Building and Training:

  • Farmer field schools, training of trainors (TOT), and organic learning sites
  • Support for organic agriculture extension workers in all regions

• Certification Support:

  • Financial and technical assistance for PGS (Participatory Guarantee System) and third-party organic certification

• Incentives and Grants:

  • Provision of organic farm inputs, equipment, and production support
  • Assistance for marketing, labeling, and processing facilities

• Monitoring and Evaluation:

  • Conduct of baseline surveys and regular performance reviews to assess adoption and impact

Specialization and Core USP

NOAP serves as the central body that integrates all national efforts toward organic agriculture. Its unique position allows it to mobilize resources and institutions in promoting soil regeneration, biodiversity conservation, and climate-resilient food systems.

Core USPs include:

• National Coverage: Implementation across 17 regions with dedicated focal persons and partner LGUs
• Holistic Framework: Combines policy, R&D, infrastructure support, and extension services
• Inclusive Models: Promotes smallholder participation and PGS for community-based assurance

Financials

As a government program under the DA, NOAP is annually funded through the General Appropriations Act:

• Annual Budget (2023): PHP 921 million (as reported in official DA expenditure documents)
• Total Beneficiaries (2020–2023): Over 250,000 farmers trained or supported

Shipment and International Exposure

While NOAP itself does not engage in direct export, it facilitates the capacity of Filipino organic producers to access export markets:

• Enabled organic certification for over 800 producers
• Supported participation in international organic trade fairs such as Biofach, SIAL, and IFEX Philippines

Target Market

• Smallholder Organic Farmers
• Organic Farmer Cooperatives and Associations
• Agri-Entrepreneurs and Exporters
• LGUs and Provincial Agriculture Offices
• NGOs and Academic Institutions in Agriculture

Capabilities

• Policy and Regulatory Coordination: Through the National Organic Agriculture Board (NOAB)
• Knowledge Transfer: Maintains learning sites, demo farms, and R&D tie-ups with SUCs
• Grant Distribution Mechanism: For infrastructure, inputs, and marketing support

Certifications and Compliance

• Operates under RA 10068 and its amended version RA 11511 (2020)
• Implements Philippine National Standards (PNS) on Organic Agriculture
• Coordinates with Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS) and DTI for labeling compliance

Customer Testimonials

• "Through NOAP, we received seed funding and technical support to expand our certified organic vegetable production." — Farmer Cooperative, Benguet
• "The program helped us train 150 farmers on organic methods and pest management." — LGU Agricultural Officer, Negros Occidental

Major Achievements

• Integrated organic practices in over 90,000 hectares of agricultural land as of 2023
• Established over 200 Learning Sites for Organic Agriculture (LSOAs) nationwide
• Funded the development of more than 100 PGS groups, strengthening grassroots certification
• Produced and distributed over 500,000 organic seedlings annually through partner facilities
• Strengthened partnerships with SUCs, NGOs, and CSOs for R&D and field implementation

The DA - National Organic Agriculture Program continues to be a transformative force in achieving sustainable food systems, empowering Filipino farmers, and responding to global climate and health challenges through ecologically sound farming practices.