Bridging Policy and Practice: Organic Agriculture Program Implementation in Selected Local Government Units of Northern Mindanao, Philippines

Abstract

This study evaluates the extent of implementation of the Organic Agriculture (OA) Program in the selected local governments in Northern Mindanao Philippines, focusing on six core components: institutional development and strengthening with results-based monitoring and evaluation, research and development, extension and capacity building, production and post-production support, market development, and regulatory services. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative approaches in analyzing the gathered data. The quantitative design employed mean and standard deviation as statistical tools. In contrast, the qualitative design was limited to document analysis of readily available administrative reports from the LGUs’ participants in Northern Mindanao, Philippines. Some key findings include the need to strengthen partnerships for marketing and consolidating organic products through the provision of dedicated market spaces for these products in public markets. The research and development component revealed moderate execution and limited participation from both farmers and implementers. In addition, though extension networks emerged as a relative strength, robust local research network remains a gap. Overall, the program demonstrates adequate institutional support and extension services but requires enhanced research and development collaboration, as well as stronger market integration, to fully realize its potential for sustainable organic agriculture development.