Organic products to the rescue

For years, the competitive export market has looked kindly on the Philippines' fresh and processed agricultural exports like mangoes, coconut products, pineapples and carageenan.

 

Now, according to the Department of Tourism, the Philippines may yet corner another niche in the agricultural export market using its organic fruits and vegetables.

 

This is due to the growing demand in Japan, the country's second largest trading partner, for organic food.

 

"The increasing popularity of the healthy lifestyle in Japan will definitely attract the specialized market segment of vegetable and fruit meisters (or experts) to the Philippines," Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said.

 

He explained that as the Japanese move toward even more healthy eating options, they also continue to look for high quality agricultural producers.

And they do not want to just eat the produce, they want to go to farms to see how the food is grown, thus opening up the possibility of the country becoming an agro-tourism site.

 

Japanese meisters are now reportedly eyeing the Philippines, one of the largest agricultural producers in Southeast Asia, for its potential in agri-tourism.

 

Eduardo Jarque Jr., undersecretary for tourism planning and promotions, also noted that the Philippines has a wealth of tropical produce that would definitely entice fruit and vegetable meisters.

"These products would enhance their activities and help promote healthy living," Jarque said.

 

With the advocacy of further promoting agri-tourism and organic farming in the country, the DOT has recently welcomed representatives from the Vegetable and Fruit Meister Association of Japan to choice farms, and let them experience first-hand sustainable organic farming in the country.

 

The Vegetable and Fruit Meister Association aims to foster food culture and advocate healthy eating habits by training specialists, and to inspire their fellow Japanese to practice and adhere to using only organic agricultural produce.

 

Stories on Philippine organic agriculture were to be published in the association's magazine entitled Yasai Tsushin, to promote not only the tropical fruits and vegetables but also the country's agri-tourism destinations, attractions and festivities.