STATUS OF ORGANIC AGRICULTURE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS IN THE BICOL REGION, PHILIPPINES

A study was conducted to determine the status of the organic agriculture (OA) research and development (R and D) programs in Bicol Region, Philippines. Specifically, it aimed to conduct inventory of R and D projects on organic agriculture, determine the information needs of OA stakeholders and identify research gaps and propose strategies to enhance the OA R and D programs. Secondary data was gathered on OA researches undertaken and survey was conducted to 149 stakeholders to know their information needs. Data gathered showed that 46 projects were implemented and most of the researches conducted were on production aspect. Highest percentage (34%) recorded in terms of information needs of the stakeholders were on demand and supply. Research gaps identified were absence of a whole research chain on organic agriculture for a specific commodity, lack of a research with component on developing a centralized, web-based information system, and inadequate research on policy and governance on OA. Recommendations included the strengthening of research programs with holistic approach, development of a web-based OA information system, conduct of research on governance, policy processes on OA and strengthening of financial support from government and private institutions and intensification of information dissemination campaign on organic agriculture.