Law Summary
Scope and Focus of the National Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP)
- Development and enforcement of regulations and guidelines for organic farming.
- Certification and accreditation systems for organic agriculture entities.
- Market promotion and networking initiatives to support organic products.
- Provision of information for producers, handlers, and processors.
- Support for research, development, and extension services.
Composition and Structure of the National Organic Agriculture Board (NOAB)
- Chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture.
- Includes secretaries from the Departments of Trade and Industry, Health, Interior and Local Government, Environment and Natural Resources, Science and Technology.
- Seven appointed representatives from various sectors related to organic agriculture: private sector operators, NGOs/POs, certifying bodies, and academia.
- Board members serve three-year terms with no consecutive reappointment unless the initial term was less than three years.
- Creation of a National Technical Committee as an implementing arm, comprising members from government agencies, private sector, and civil society.
- Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Product Standards acts as the secretariat.
Functions and Responsibilities of NOAB and NTC
- Formulate and oversee policies, plans, and programs for organic agriculture.
- Coordinate with government agencies and private entities for program execution.
- Identify funding sources for expansion of organic agriculture.
- Submit regular reports to the Office of the President.
- Implement programs approved by NOAB and maintain stakeholder networks.
Compliance and Standards for Organic Production
- Mandatory adoption of the Philippine National Standard for Organic Agriculture (PNS/BAFPS 07:2003 ICS.65.020).
- The standards apply nationally to all sectors involved in organic farming and product marketing.
Accreditation of Certifying Bodies
- The Department of Agriculture accredits certifying bodies based on Administrative Order 13 Series of 2003.
- Accreditation ensures compliance with organic agriculture standards.
Labeling Requirements for Organic Products
- Labeling must comply with PNS/BAFPS 07:2003 as well as additional content requirements specified in this Executive Order.
Research, Development, and Extension Activities
- Collaborations between DA, DOST, State Colleges and Universities (SCUs), scientific organizations, and research institutions.
- Focus on environmental protection, soil fertility improvement, cost reduction, product quality enhancement, and increasing the global competitiveness of organic produce.
Budget and Appropriations
- Initial allocation of at least Five Million Pesos (P5,000,000.00) from the Department of Agriculture’s budget.
- Possibility of funds drawn from the Presidential Social Fund during the initial year.
- Inclusion of suitable budget amounts in the General Appropriations Act for subsequent years.
Implementing Rules and Regulations
- The NOAB must formulate implementing guidelines within ninety (90) working days in consultation with relevant agencies and stakeholders.
Separability Clause
- Invalidity of any provision does not affect the validity and operation of the remaining provisions.
Effectivity
- The Executive Order takes effect immediately upon publication in a newspaper of general circulation.