Last May 12th, we hosted our first organic market. Baguio City is home to abundantly diverse fruits and vegetables. What better venue it is then, to promote organic products here in our very own beloved city.
What does it mean when people say products are organic? Being organic means natural fertilizers, like manure or compost, are used to feed soil and plants, compared to conventional means of using chemical fertilizers to enhance plant growth. It also refers to beneficial insects and birds used plus traps and mating disruption to lessen pests and diseases instead of spraying insecticides.
Being organic means rotating crops, tilling, hand weeding or mulching to manage weeds. Conventional agriculture refers to the use of chemical herbicides.
Organic agriculture means giving animals organic feed and providing access to the outdoors. The use of preventive measures — such as rotational grazing, a balanced diet and clean housing helps minimize disease. Conventional agriculture promotes the use of animal antibiotics, growth hormones and medications to prevent disease and spur growth.
So, why should we buy organic? First, it’s better for the environment. No pesticides mean healthier soil, water, and wildlife. Buying organic products also supports small farmers.
Organic farmers can earn a decent price for organic produce compared to factory farming. Organic farming is good for biodiversity. Organic farmers grow a diversity of non-genetically modified fruits and vegetables. Compared to our one or two choices of any produce variety in the supermarket, organic farmers are reviving heirloom varieties. Lastly, organic foods are healthier for you.
Check out when our next organic market will be. Before you know it, it’ll be a thing of habit.
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