OCCP certifies Batanes garlic as organic
by PGO (2009-11-20)

The Organic Certification Center of the Philippines (OCCP) has recently evaluated and certified the Batanes garlic (red variety) as organic specifically those from the three major production areas in the province - Sitio Niyoy and Dibtong in Ivana, Sitio Idiang in Uyugan and the entirety of the garlic areas in Itbayat.

Garlic production in the province has been traditional and chemical-free ssince olden times but a formal certification from an authorized body is required so it could be marketed as a certified organic product.

In 2008, concerted efforts by the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Provincial Government of Batanes (PGB) through the provincial Agriculturist's Office and the Provincial Fishery Council (PAFC) made possible the evaluation and subsequent certification of garlic production areas by the OCCP.

The organic farm certificate is valid for one year and is subject to annual revalidation and renewal. Fees for the initial certification were shouldered by the DA, PGB, and PAFC while the renewal fees are expected to be shouldered by the concerned associations namely the Idjiang Upland Farmers Association in Uyugan, Niyoy Farmers Association in Ivana and the Itbayat Garlic Producers Multi-Purpose Cooperative. These associations can now use the certifying body's logo on their product labels.

Priscilla V. Nanud, Provincial Agriculturist, is hopeful that this development would encourage more Ivatans to plant garlic.

Nanud said there is no problem with the marketing as there are a number or organic markets but the big challenge for them is to produce the market demand of at least one ton a month.

"The advantage of this is that we can now sell our garlic at a higher price and we expect to create a niche market in the world of organic products. The only problem for now is that we cannot produce the demand of the market," Nanud said.

The high quality garlic bulbs from the province are not superior in quality but are known to have a distinct pungency as compared to the chemically-produced bulbs in from other regions or countries.

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