LONG TIME organic farmers, specifically those who export their products, will get additional incentives under the new law signed by President Duterte.
Under Republic Act 11511 or the Act Amending the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010, certified small farmers/fisherfolk, who are organic input producers and compliant with government regulations for at least five years and free from any infraction will have their international certification fully subsidized by the government for a year.
The said farmers and fisherfolks will also be invited and given, for free, prime location in any government agency-initiated or sponsored trade and business marketing gathering of Filipino products.
Likewise, the new law also relaxed sanctions for those who will mislabel their products as organic by including a low degree of penalty.
A first offense related to mislabeling will be given a written warning, while a second offense can draw a suspension of their accreditation.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque cited other salient points of the new law: it raises the possible earnings of farmers engaged in organic farming or fishing; and includes food self sufficiency in the declaration of policy of RA 11511.
The new law was signed by Duterte on December 23, 2020, but it was only released to the media on Tuesday.
It will take effect 15 days after being published in at least two newspapers of general circulation or in the Official Gazette.