The National Organic Agriculture Program – National Program Coordinating Office (NOAP-NPCO)

The Philippines institutionalized Organic Agriculture (OA) through Republic Act No. 10068 (Organic Agriculture Act of 2010), later amended by R.A. No. 11511 in 2020. This legislation established the National Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP) and its National Program Coordinating Office (NPCO) to drive the nationwide promotion and development of organic farming.

Tasked with ensuring profitable, food self-sufficient, and sustainable agriculture, NOAP operates under the National Organic Agriculture Board (NOAB)—the country’s highest policy-making body for organic agriculture—chaired by the Department of Agriculture.

Divisions

Advocacy and Policy Division (APD) – Leads information and advocacy efforts (promotions, marketing, & research) and serves as the administrative secretariat of the NOAB.

Project Development Support Division (PDSD) – Handles project development, monitoring and evaluation, and the Program’s planning and budgeting.

12 Point Core Strategies

1. Policy Development
   The National Organic Agriculture Board (NOAB) formulates policies, plans, and programs to advance organic agriculture. Through stakeholder consultations and field monitoring, NOAB identifies viable initiatives and develops policies that support organic farming.

2. Consumer Awareness and Advocacy
   Increasing market demand is key to promoting organic farming. This initiative educates consumers, builds awareness, and stimulates demand for organic products. It also highlights profit stories that demonstrate the economic viability of organic farming.

3. Capacity Building for LGUs and Farmer Groups
   NOAP assists local government units (LGUs) and farmer cooperatives/associations (FCAs) in establishing organic seed centers, fertilizer facilities, and other organic projects. It also plans to launch the “Search for LGU Champions”, recognizing LGUs with outstanding organic agriculture programs.

4. Organic Agriculture (OA) Marketplace & Marketing Assistance
   The OA Marketplace is a digital platform where certified organic farmers can promote their products. To prevent fraud, all sellers and buyers undergo validation and geotagging. Additionally, farmers receive marketing support through trade fairs and market matching.

5. Youth Internship Program on Organic Agriculture (YIPOA)
   To address the aging farmer population, YIPOA offers a 21-month internship, providing ₱315,000 per trainee and ₱105,000 per farm host. This program equips interns with hands-on experience while supporting organic farm operations and enterprises   .

6. Support for Participatory Guarantee System (PGS)
   PGS is a cost-effective, peer-reviewed organic certification alternative. NOAP, through its operational units, supports capacity building, training, and mentoring for PGS groups, providing cash incentives for successful certifications.

7. Organic Agriculture Livelihood Program (OALP)
   This initiative funds communal organic enterprises, helping farmer groups supply inputs or market their members’ harvests. These enterprises integrate business models that benefit organic farmers.

8. Support for Certified Organic Input Production
   To address the limited availability of organic seeds, planting materials, animal stocks, and fertilizers, NOAP supports certified farms and government centers in producing organic agricultural inputs for farmers.

9. Local Organic Seed Centers
   Since organic farming requires seeds that respond well to organic fertilizers, NOAP encourages LGUs and farmer groups to produce their own seeds and planting materials. The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) provides technical support and starter seeds.

10. Irrigation Network Services
    Given the risk of contamination in organic farming, NOAP develops customized irrigation systems to ensure safe and sufficient water supply for organic crop production.

11. Animal Dispersal Program
    Integrating livestock with crop farming enhances soil fertility and provides additional income for farmers. Animals contribute to weed control and serve as a source of organic fertilizers.

12. Research and Development
    NOAP prioritizes applied research and field trials on organic farming systems, soil management, and entomology.