Biotechnology (BT) in Organic Farming?

Philippine Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala

Davao City- Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala clarified that biotechnology (BT) is in harmony with organic farming.

He likewise rectified the wrong general connotation that BT is solely genetically modified organisms (GMO).

To illustrate he said that the production of friendly microorganisms are part of the biotechnology that is needed even in an organic farming.

“Dapat maliwanag yun. Meron pong maling paniniwala na kung pag-uusapan ang biotechnology, akala ng lahat ay GMO, hindi po” (It should be clear. There’s a wrong connotation that if we are going to talk about biotechnology, all believed it is GMO, it is not), he said.

To fully grasp and utilize useful advantages on BT, DA recently coordinated with Cuba who has advanced knowledge, to bring in the kind of technology here in our country.

However during the just concluded 8^th Philippine National Corn Congress held in Davao City, Secretary Alcala said that the Department of Agriculture respects on any local government unit declaring the ban of access to the genetically modified organisms within their area.

Alcala said that it is the prerogative of an LGU to formulate its policies by virtue of the local government code.

“Yun pong mga lalawigan o mga munisipyo na nagdedeklara na binabawal yong mga GMO sa kanilang lugar di natin kayang basta i-overrule dahil ito ay karapatan ng LGU. If they choose na sila po ay mag-stick sa kanilang stand di natin pwedeng pilitin na sila ay mag-open-up” (We cannot simply overrule those provinces or municipalities declaring a ban on access of GMO within their area. It is their right, if they choose to stick on their stand we cannot force them to open-up), he said.

Therefore, he advised those who want to plant GMO crops to consider other area which are open for such technology.

This developed as pro and against advocates are still in heated argument whether GMO pose health hazard or not. (Aurell P. Arais/RAFID DA CARAGA)

-=###=-