Have you been in an organic farm? It was last year when I met farmers with the passion of growing organic vegetables. But before I share stories about our recent trip to organic farms in Benguet and Sagada, allow me to share my thoughts about organic agriculture.
Organic agriculture uses holistic approach and principles involving soil fertility, without the use of harmful chemicals but simply allowing nature to do what it does.
 |
| Lily of the Valley in Benguet |
So how does organic farming works? A better way for you to understand organic farming is to hear stories from the farmers themselves. I have to admit, I did not easily understand the process of organic agriculture. So, I blogged my experience on the first organic farm I visited sometime in August of last year. Even with limited knowledge, I was inspired to bring home a pot of
stevia and
spearmint to grow in my condo's small space. Unfortunately, the plants died.
Some says that the consumption of organic food started in 2000. I believe many has adopted to this lifestyle, perhaps we're not hearing a lot of stories though. I also wanted to serve the best, non-chemically sprayed food for my family. Although not on a regular basis but I tried to include organic vegetables every grocery shopping. If you'll ask me why not on a regular basis - because not all supermarkets and local public markets in the metro sells organic vegetables. On the positive note, you can find fresh organic produce (especially the ingredients in making green salad) in selected SM supermarkets and Rustans.
 |
| Herbed Juice |
 |
| Sugar beets muffin from the Master's Garden |
 |
| Tea |
Last year, I met
Mr. Costales from Majayjay, Laguna during a farm tour courtesy of the
Department of Agriculture's
Agricultural Training Institute (ATI). We stayed overnight in the farm and enjoyed freshly organic food during the entire stay. From vegetables to pork, everything is organic. Even the sweetener added on our hot tea was organic. I felt I undergone detoxification that day!
 |
| The Master's Garden, La Trinidad, Benguet |
 |
| #OABloggers & Mr. Jefferson Laruan at the Lily of the Valley Organic Farm |
Last week, hubby and I together with eleven bloggers were invited again by the Agricultural Training Institute to explore four organic farms in La Trinidad, Benguet and Sagada, Mountain Province. The first two days were spent in La Trinidad where we met three passionate farmers growing organic greens, Mr. Pat Acosta of The Master's Garden, Mr. Felix Tan of Garden of Life Organic Farm and Mr. Jefferson Laruan owner of Lily of the Valley Organic Farm. Then, we traveled another 6 hours to visit the organic coffee farm in Sagada.
 |
| #OABloggers with Mr. Pat Acosta owner of the Master's Garden |
 |
| #OABlogger Jonel with Mr. Pat Acosta owner of the Master's Garden |
 |
| #OABloggers with Mr. Pat Acosta owner of the Master's Garden |
Organic farming is the best form of agriculture combining tradition and new innovation without the use of pesticides and other chemicals that could harm not only us, humans but even the place we live in - our mother earth.
 |
| Mr. Felix Tan, owner of the Garden of Life Organic Farm, La Trinidad Benguet |
 |
| Organic Coffee Farm in Sagada |
For many reasons, organic farming certainly leads to better quality of life. I noticed how physically strong, happy these farmers and their family base on their outlook in life.
 |
| The future farm owners!lol! |
Not all of us will be given a chance to meet them or visit their organic farms but I would try to share it on this blog so you would also be inspired. I will feature them one by one in the next couple of days, so please keep coming back. I'm hoping you'll learn, inspired and start planting even on small pots, just the way I was moved and inspired.
What could be more inspiring is seeing how a blogger shares the same inspiration she got from the farmers. I've been wanting to maximize our small space at home by growing flowers, herbs and vegetables in small pots and containers. It has been a long overdue project that we've been planning since last year. I wanted to plant stevia, spearmint, basil. Aside from it added color and beauty on our balcony it may serves as a welcoming decoration to our guests.
Follow me on my journey on Facebook, Twitter and IG. More stories of organic agriculture, the organic farms including sightseeing and how I survived spelunking in Sumaguing Cave, so keep coming back. I also created an album for this trip on my Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/LivingMarjorney
Aside from the nice views and good food, don't you just miss the weather in Benguet and Sagada? :)
ReplyDeleteYeah, miss everything about Sagada including you and the rest of #OABloggers. See you soon Ruth! <3
ReplyDeleteYeah. I have to admit that amidst the long drive going to Sagada, you just miss the place.
ReplyDelete