Sustainable Manila

The Study by Enderun, in partnership with AGREA Agricultural System International, Inc., has announced the latest Agri-Immersion Program.

The Agri-Immersion Program aims to introduce farming as something that is cool, smart, sexy and humane.

AGREA is an innovative social enterprise based in Marinduque that aims to help eradicate poverty for farming and fishing families and their communities, to alleviate the effects of climate change, and to help establish food security, better health and nutrition in the province and in the Philippines.

The program will be filled with exciting activities like backyard farming where participants will be given a crash course on how to start their own easy-to-do urban garden and how to grow their own green leafy vegetables and herbs without the need of chemical processes. Apart from this, participants will also experience community immersions with a number of fishing and farming communities in the province. Moreover, participants will experience total relaxation surrounded by white sand beaches filled with magnificent corals. To add even more excitement, participants will be given loads of fun activities such as the zumbox, white party, and an insects and butterfly farm visit!

SCHEDULE
The dates will be from October 24-27, 2016 inclusive of the travel dates from Manila to Marinduque and vice versa.

COST
The cost of the trip is PHP 17,000 pesos inclusive of transportation from Manila to Marinduque and vice versa, registration fee, food, accommodation and other travel expenses.

For registration and further inquires, please contact the program coordinators, Ms. TONI SANTOS via mobile at 09778059267, via e-mail at toni.santos@enderuncolleges.com and Ms. MEGGIE SALONGA via mobile at 0917 941 4708 and via e-mail at meggie.salonga@enderuncolleges.com.

The term "organic" broadly describes anything derived from living matter, or, technically, any carbon-based compound. With the advent of environmentalism, the term has taken on a new meaning to describe food or farming without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and other artificial inputs.

So, in terms of food or farming:

"Organic" focuses on being "toxin-free", while "biodynamic" focuses on being "nutrient-rich".

"Organic" usually means free of synthetic pesticides/herbicides/hormones/antibiotics/etc. "Biodynamic" takes it a step further and means a farm system based on healthy mineral-rich soil with good microbes.

Of course the two terms are not mutually exclusive. By definition biodynamic is also organic (soil needs to be clean to be healthy), but organic doesn't necessarily mean biodynamic (it can be free of toxins, but still depleted of nutrients).

Here's what Wikipedia says about biodynamic farming --

Biodynamic agriculture is a method of organic farming originally developed by Rudolf Steiner that employs what proponents describe as "a holistic understanding of agricultural processes". One of the first sustainable agriculture movements, it treats soil fertility, plant growth, and livestock care as ecologically interrelated tasks, emphasizing spiritual and mystical perspectives. Proponents of biodynamic agriculture, including Steiner, have characterized it as "spiritual science" as part of the larger anthroposophy movement.

I try to get biodynamic when I can. Still, organic is better than industrial (which is nutrient-poor and contaminated with toxins), and of course any fresh food even from industrial farming is still better than instant/junk food.

The concept is more important than the terminology, but the terms help us communicate ideas better. The International Assessment of Agricultural Knowledge, Science and Technology for Development (IAASTD)-- a global involving FAO, WHO, World Bank, UN, and over 100 countries-- used the term "agroecology". Agroecology describes farming approaches that mimic natural ecosystems in order to produce food that is clean and nutritious, while minimizing pollution and maximizing soil fertility. Other related terms are "permaculture", "grass farming", and "soil farming".

Here's an excerpt from Global Agriculture --

Agroecological systems, such as organic farming, permaculture and other variants, are knowledge-intensive, tend to use less or no externally-supplied synthetic inputs, and seek to generate healthy soils and crops through sustainable management of agro-ecological cycles.

They make better use of local resources in small-scale agriculture which can improve productivity and generate worthwhile innovations.

Agro-ecological and organic farming can achieve high production efficiencies on a per area basis and high energy use efficiencies, outperforming conventional industrial farming in both areas. Despite having lower labour efficiencies than (highly-mechanised) industrial farming and experiencing variable economic efficiency, latest calculations indicate a capability of producing enough food on a per capita basis to feed the current world population. Their higher labour demand compared to conventional farming can be considered an advantage where few alternative employment opportunities exist.

"Organic" is a useful shorthand for all of these ideas, because many people already have some clue about what it is. However, due to the lack of education and regulation, the term may be hijacked and used in such a way as to belie the spirit of the idea-- as in the case of "organic" junk food. I personally like the term "agroecology" because it emphasizes mimicking natural ecosystems, but it's quite a mouthful isn't it? Even more so than "biodynamic"!

Based on a Q&A on my ask.fm account. Ask me anything! :)

- Feanne

Two of my favourite biodynamic farms join forces to unleash this radical backyard farming workshop this weekend! :) Holy Carabao and Down To Earth are local farms that use holistic systems to manage microbes, soil, crops, and animals to produce nutrient-dense food for us. I've written a bit about them on my sustainable shopping guide. Join them this weekend and learn about growing your own healthy food, creating your own biodynamic backyard farm, natural pest control, and vermicomposting:

I've been buying fresh duck eggs and organic veggies from Lotus Pod, a lovely farm with a very friendly and accommodating team, including Jen Aquino. They deliver! :) Follow the Lotus Pod Facebook page or text Jen at +639178789103.

Lotus Pod is offering "agritours"-- day trip packages at their farm so you can see how they grow your food. It's P3000 per head (discounted if you're a group of 3 or more), including round trip transport and food. Trips are available on May 3 and May 10. Here's the info from Jen:

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LOTUS POD AGRITOURS



When we say we have some of the healthiest vegetables around, we don’t expect you to take our word for it. We want you to see it for yourself. Lotus Pod offers you the experience of visiting an organic farm and learning how to make your own backyard version.

See how to grow your favorite organic produce using rice hulls and worms as fertilizers. Listen to agriculture scientists speak about how organic farming is as good for the environment as it is for you. Experience the life-giving qualities of the earth as you plant seedlings and harvest vegetables yourself!

This is ideal for wellness enthusiasts and recreational travelers who are looking for a unique experience in Laguna, or anyone for that matter, who wants to know what this thing called organic farming is all about.

The package fee of P3000 includes transportation from Manila to the farm in laguna, lunch and snacks, seminar and lecture fees and a kit.

Discounts apply if you are going with more than two people!

For inquiries, contact us at +639178789103.