The Libudon Organic Farmers Association (LOFA) and Davao Organic Farmers and Advocates Association (DOFAA) have officially been recognized as Participatory Guarantee System - Organic Certifying Bodies (PGS-OCB) by the Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (DA-BAFS).

Following a rigorous evaluation and submission of all required documents in compliance with the Philippine National Standards for Organic Agriculture, LOFA and DOFAA are now the second and third officially accredited PGS-OCBs in the Davao Region.

To qualify for BAFS accreditation, a core PGS group must have at least five farmer-members, each of whom must undergo individual certification to ensure adherence to national organic standards.

With their accreditation, LOFA is authorized to certify farmer-members in areas including crop production, animal production, mushroom cultivation, beekeeping, and food processing. DOFAA, on the other hand, is accredited to certify in crop and animal production.

The certification is valid for five years, subject to annual inspections to ensure ongoing compliance with organic practices.

DA-11 Regional Executive Director (RED) Macario Gonzaga emphasized the role of these organizations in strengthening the organic agriculture movement. “Let us also improve the marketability of locally-produced organic goods, and foster a more sustainable and self-sufficient farming community,” RED Gonzaga said.

This milestone marks another significant step toward expanding and institutionalizing organic agriculture in the region. #OKsaOA