What do we mean by organic?

This is an interesting point of contention as we enter the era of soil-less farming. Can produce from soil-less agriculture (hydroponics and aquaponics) be considered organic? To find out more about this, let’s look at R.A. 10068, otherwise known as the “Organic Agriculture Act of 2010.” It defines Organic, and Organic Agriculture, as:

“(a) Organic refers to the particular farming and processing system, described in the standards and not in the classical chemical sense. The term “organic” is synonymous in other languages to “biological” or “ecological.” It is also a labeling term that denotes products considered organic based on the Philippine National Standards for organic agriculture.

(b) Organic agriculture includes all agricultural systems that promote the ecologically sound, socially acceptable, economically viable and technically feasible production of food and fibers. Organic agricultural dramatically reduces external inputs by refraining from the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and pharmaceuticals. It also covers areas such as, but not limited to, soil fertility management, varietal breeding and selection under chemical and pesticide-free conditions, the use of biotechnology and other cultural practices that are consistent with the principles and policies of this Act, and enhance productivity without destroying the soil and harming farmers, consumers and the environment as defined by the International Federation of Organic Agricultural Movement (IFOAM): Provided, That the biotechnology herein shall not include genetically modified organisms or GMOs.”

At first glance, the mere mention of soil in the law itself is problematic for soil-less agriculture. After all, if soil is indispensable under Philippine law, then it naturally follows that an agricultural method that does not involve soil cannot be certified organic.

In other jurisdictions, the situation is different. For example, the United States Department of Agriculture, through the National Organic Standards Board, as of 25 January 2018, allows for the accreditation of hydroponic and aquaponic produce as organic. Soil is not an indispensable element.

It is hoped by this writer that an aquaponics or hydroponics farm here in the Philippines seeks accreditation for their farm and produce as “organic.” It would be an interesting test case.

Off hand, the lawyer in this writer, if he would attempt accreditation, would assess that the terrain — although an uphill climb — is more favorable to aquaponics rather than hydroponics. This is because, “(o)rganic agriculture includes all agricultural systems that promote the ecologically sound, socially acceptable, economically viable and technically feasible production of food and fibers.”

The overarching principle seems to be ecological soundness. This is an attribute that aquaponics offers through the ecosystem it creates that allows fish and crops to grow together. Hydroponics, on the other hand, generally uses sterile water and is devoid of any ecosystem. It even has effluent, the leftover nutrient water, which is thrown away and — in sufficient quantities especially for commercial production —can pollute the surrounding environment.

As for the soil requirement, the law again provides that: “(Organic)… also covers areas such as, but not limited to, soil fertility management…” The phrase “but not limited to,” is very important. It appears that organic farming which includes “All agricultural systems that promote the ecologically sound, socially acceptable, economically viable and technically feasible production of food and fibers…” treats soil-based agriculture as a branch of organic farming.

The wording of the law allows for the existence of other branches. And that is why organic farming covers soil-based agriculture, but it can go beyond — because it is not limited to that. This route seems to be the best option for aquaponics to enter the world of organic certification in the Philippines.