Law Summary
Scope and Functions of the National Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP)
- Focus on regulations and guidelines for organic agriculture.
- Manage certification and accreditation processes.
- Promote market access and networking for organic products.
- Disseminate organic agriculture information to producers, handlers, and processors.
- Undertake research, development, and extension activities related to organic agriculture.
Composition and Role of the National Organic Agriculture Board (NOAB)
- Chaired by the Secretary of Agriculture with other secretaries as vice chairs and members.
- Includes seven appointed representatives from private sector, NGOs/POs, certifying bodies, and academe.
- Members serve three-year terms, with restrictions on consecutive terms.
- Establishes a National Technical Committee (NTC) for policy implementation.
- Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Product Standards (BAFPS) acts as secretariat.
Duties and Responsibilities of NOAB and NTC
- NOAB formulates policies, plans, and programs; oversees implementation; coordinates with government and stakeholders; identifies funding sources; submits reports to the President.
- NTC implements approved projects; reports to NOAB; networks with stakeholders; performs other necessary functions.
Mandatory Compliance with Organic Standards
- Adoption of Philippine National Standard for Organic Agriculture (PNS/BAFPS 07:2003 ICS.65.020) is compulsory nationally for production and marketing sectors.
Accreditation of Certifying Bodies
- Department of Agriculture accredits certifying bodies per Administrative Order 13 Series 2003 guidelines.
Labeling Requirements for Organic Products
- Labeling must comply with Philippine National Standards.
- Product labels must also follow specific content requirements established by this Executive Order.
Research, Development, and Extension Mandates
- DA, DOST, State Colleges and Universities, and other institutions tasked to develop and enhance technologies to improve organic agriculture.
- Focus on environmental protection, soil enhancement, cost reduction, product quality improvement, and value addition for competitiveness.
Financial Appropriations for Implementation
- Initial allocation of no less than P5,000,000 from the DA budget and Presidential Social Fund.
- Subsequent funding included in the General Appropriations Act annually.
Formulation of Implementing Rules and Regulations
- NOAB shall draft implementing rules within 90 working days in collaboration with stakeholders.
Separability Clause
- Invalid provisions will not affect the remainder of the Executive Order.
Effectivity
- This Executive Order takes effect immediately upon publication in a newspaper of general circulation.