Prospects for Widespread Adoption of Organic-Based Fertilizers in the Philippines: A Rapid Appraisal

Modern conventional agriculture has relied heavily on inorganic fertilizers to achieve higher crop yields. However, concerns have arisen regarding its ecological and economic sustainability due to its impact on soil health, pollutants off-site, and recent surges in fertilizer prices. This paper reports on a rapid appraisal of the current state and potential expansion of organic fertilizer utilization and availability in the Philippines. The study finds that combining inorganic and organic-based fertilizers allows for a balanced realization of the advantages of each type. Government policies and programs promote both organic agriculture and balanced fertilization, although the budget is heavily skewed toward incentivizing farmer purchases of inorganic fertilizers. The policy implications of the study are: 1) Strengthen the National Organic Agriculture Program by (1) expanding the implementation of Participatory Guarantee Systems and b) aggressively rolling out organic labeling for packaged organic produce; (2) Review the regulatory system and competition oversight for organic fertilizers and biofertilizers; (3) Adopt a phased repurposing of fertilizer subsidies by gradually shifting the allocation from inorganic fertilizers to organic fertilizers, biofertilizers, and area-based research and development to promote adaptive balanced fertilization strategy (BFS), including soil mapping of all agricultural land in the country; (4) Beyond research and development, the Department of Agriculture must invest heavily in extension services to promote the widespread adoption of adaptive BFS; (5) Implement a value chain program for the development of the biofertilizer and organic fertilizer industry; (6) Anchor the value chain program on support for commercial networks of private corporations and capacitated farmer organizations, coordinated with the distribution of organic fertilizer and biofertilizer vouchers; and (7) Integrate the value chain development of organic fertilizers and biofertilizers with the development of the livestock, poultry, and agro-processing industries. Comments on this paper are welcome within 60 days from the date of posting. Email publications@pids.gov.ph.