Is Agriko certified organic?

Yes, Agriko is a certified organic farm. All our products are grown without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers and meet international organic standards.

How long does delivery take?

We deliver fresh products within 3-5 business days within Metro Manila, and 5-7 business days for provincial areas in the Philippines.

What makes Agriko different from other organic farms?

Agriko stands out through our direct farm-to-table approach, 8+ years of expertise, award-winning certifications, support for 50+ local farmers, and our commitment to 100% pure organic products without compromise.

Do you offer bulk orders for businesses?

Yes, we offer wholesale and bulk ordering options for businesses and corporate clients. Please contact us for specific pricing and availability.

Are your products GMO-free?

Absolutely. All Agriko products are 100% GMO-free and use traditional, sustainable farming methods passed down through generations.

What defines organic farming?

Organic farming is defined by what it prohibits and promotes: Prohibits all synthetic pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, chemical fertilizers, GMOs, synthetic growth hormones, and sewage sludge. Promotes natural pest control using beneficial insects and crop rotation, soil fertility through composting and cover crops, biodiversity with diverse crops and habitats, animal welfare with humane treatment and outdoor access, and environmental protection preventing chemical runoff. Certified organic farms must follow strict standards verified by third-party inspectors, maintain detailed records, undergo annual inspections, and complete 3-year transition period before certification.

What's prohibited in organic farming?

Organic certification strictly prohibits: All synthetic pesticides (glyphosate, neonicotinoids, organophosphates), synthetic fertilizers (urea, ammonium nitrate, superphosphate), genetically modified organisms (GMO seeds, crops, or inputs), sewage sludge as fertilizer (biosolids), synthetic growth hormones for animals, routine antibiotics in livestock, irradiation for pest control or preservation, and most synthetic food additives. Natural alternatives allowed include: neem oil, Bt bacteria, insecticidal soap for pests, compost, manure, green manures for fertility, physical weed control and flame weeding, and beneficial insects for pest management.

How do I get organic certification in the Philippines?

To get organic certification in the Philippines: 1) Choose certification body: PGS (Participatory Guarantee System) for local/domestic sales, or USDA/EU Organic for international export. 2) Complete 3-year transition: Farm chemical-free for 36 months with detailed record-keeping before eligible for certification. 3) Submit application: Farm plan, field maps, input records, harvest data, and certification fee (₱15,000-50,000 annually). 4) Pass inspection: Third-party inspector visits farm, reviews records, tests soil samples. 5) Maintain compliance: Annual re-certification, ongoing record-keeping, surprise inspections. Government support available through DA-BAR (Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Agricultural Research) organic programs.

Is organic farming more profitable?

Yes, after the 3-5 year transition period, organic farming typically becomes more profitable than conventional. Premium prices: Organic products sell 30-60% higher than conventional, offsetting higher labor costs. Lower input costs: Eliminate expensive synthetic fertilizers and pesticides (₱8,000-15,000 per hectare saved annually). Better soil health: Reduces need for external inputs over time as soil biology improves. Market access: Growing organic market with direct-to-consumer opportunities. Studies show organic farms earn 22-35% higher net income after 5+ years. Initial transition challenges include 10-20% yield reduction years 1-3 and learning curve for organic methods.

What are the USDA organic standards?

USDA Organic standards require: Prohibited substances: No synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, GMOs, irradiation, or sewage sludge. Soil health: Build soil through crop rotation, cover crops, and organic matter additions. Pest management: Prevent pests through cultural, biological, and mechanical methods before using approved natural pesticides. Livestock: Organic feed, outdoor access, humane treatment, no growth hormones or routine antibiotics. Record-keeping: Detailed documentation of all inputs, practices, and sales. Three-year transition: Land must be chemical-free for 36 months before harvest. Annual certification: Third-party inspection and re-certification required yearly. Buffer zones: Physical barriers or distance from conventional farms to prevent contamination.

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Complete guide to sustainable farming practices

Sustainable Farming

What is Organic Farming?

Complete beginner's guide to understanding organic agriculture

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Agriko Organic Farm•March 16, 2025•10 min read

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Organic farming is an agricultural system that produces food without synthetic chemicals, prioritizes soil health, and works in harmony with natural ecosystems. It's not just about avoiding pesticides—it's a holistic approach to farming that considers the entire farm as a living organism.

At Agriko, we've practiced organic farming in Mindanao since 2016. In this guide, we'll explain exactly what organic farming is, how it works, and why it matters for your health and the environment.

What Makes Farming "Organic"?

Prohibited in Organic Farming:

Synthetic pesticides and herbicides
Synthetic fertilizers
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
Sewage sludge fertilizer
Irradiation for pest control

Promoted in Organic Farming:

Building <Link href="/blog/building-healthy-soil">healthy, living soil</Link> through composting
Crop rotation and diverse plantings
<Link href="/blog/natural-pest-management">Natural pest management</Link> strategies
Conservation of <Link href="/blog/biodiversity-organic-farming">biodiversity</Link> and wildlife habitat
Protection of <Link href="/blog/water-conservation-farming">water resources</Link> and soil quality

The Four Core Principles

The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) defines four principles that guide all organic farming:

1. Principle of Health

Organic farming should sustain and enhance the health of soil, plants, animals, humans, and the planet as one and indivisible.

2. Principle of Ecology

Organic farming should be based on living ecological systems and cycles, working with them, emulating them, and helping sustain them.

3. Principle of Fairness

Organic farming should build on relationships that ensure fairness with regard to the common environment and life opportunities.

4. Principle of Care

Organic farming should be managed in a precautionary and responsible manner to protect the health and wellbeing of current and future generations.

Organic farming isn't just a set of rules—it's a philosophy of working in partnership with nature to create abundance that lasts.
— IFOAM

30%

Lower Energy Use

3-8 tons

CO₂ Sequestered/Hectare

+50%

More Pollinator Activity

Zero

Synthetic Pesticides

Organic Certification Requirements

To legally sell products as "organic," farms must be certified by an accredited third-party organization. The certification process requires:

Three years of chemical-free farming (transition period)
Detailed record-keeping of all inputs and practices
Annual on-farm inspections by third-party auditors
Compliance with organic standards for production and processing
Proper buffer zones from conventional farms

Important: The 3-year transition period is required because it takes time for chemical residues to break down and for soil biology to regenerate. This waiting period protects the integrity of the organic label.

Organic Certification Standards Comparison

Different regions and organizations maintain their own organic standards. Understanding these differences helps farmers choose the right certification for their target markets and ensures consumers know what each label guarantees.

Comparison of Organic Certification Standards
Factor	USDA Organic (USA)	EU Organic (Europe)	Philippine Organic	IFOAM (International)
Pesticide Ban Strictness	Very strict: only 25 approved substances	Very strict: similar to USDA, slightly shorter list	Strict: follows IFOAM guidance (40+ substances)	Framework: no specific list (guides member standards)
GMO Prohibition	Absolute ban: 0% GMO tolerance	0.9% tolerance for unavoidable contamination	Zero tolerance: complete GMO ban	Recommended ban (member standards vary)
Transition Period	3 years minimum (36 months)	2 years for annual crops, 3 years for perennials	3 years for all crops	Recommends 2-3 years (standards set by members)
Inspection Frequency	Annual on-site inspection mandatory	Annual inspection + surprise visits possible	Annual inspection (less frequent for certified groups)	Framework only (frequency set by certifiers)
Certification Cost	₱60,000-150,000 annually (higher for exports)	€300-2,000 (₱18,000-120,000) depending on farm size	₱15,000-40,000 annually (most affordable)	Varies by certifier (not a direct certification)
Livestock Standards	Strict: outdoor access, organic feed, no antibiotics	Similar to USDA + higher welfare requirements	Follows IFOAM principles (developing standards)	Framework: animal welfare principles
Processing Standards	95%+ organic ingredients required for "organic" label	95%+ organic, stricter additive restrictions	70% organic for "organic" label, 95% for "certified organic"	Recommends 95% threshold (varies by certifier)
Market Recognition	Gold standard: recognized globally, highest premiums	Required for EU market, widely recognized	Strong domestic recognition, limited international	Framework only: not consumer-facing label

Key Insight: USDA Organic and EU Organic certifications are most valuable for international markets with highest premiums but cost ₱60,000-150,000 annually. Philippine Organic certification offers excellent domestic market access at lower cost (₱15,000-40,000/year). Many farmers start with Philippine certification and add USDA/EU later as they scale exports.

Why Choose Organic Farming?

Environmental Benefits

<Link href="/blog/building-healthy-soil">Soil organic matter</Link> increases 3-8% over conventional farms
No pesticide or fertilizer runoff polluting groundwater
Sequestering 3-8 tons CO₂ per hectare annually through <Link href="/blog/regenerative-agriculture">regenerative practices</Link>
Supporting 34% more plant species and 50% more pollinators
Using 30% less energy than conventional farming

Health Benefits

Zero synthetic chemical residues on your food
19-69% more antioxidants than conventional produce
No GMOs—preserving genetic integrity of traditional crops
Safer for farmers—no exposure to toxic chemicals

Economic Benefits

25-40% higher prices for <Link href="/products/brown-rice" className="text-forest-900 underline hover:text-gold-500">organic products</Link>
Lower input costs—no expensive synthetic chemicals
Better drought resilience reduces <Link href="/blog/water-conservation-farming">irrigation costs</Link>
Growing market—organic food sales growing 10-12% annually

Support Organic Farming Today

Every organic purchase supports sustainable agriculture and helps build a healthier food system.

Shop Organic Products

Continue Learning

Explore related sustainable farming guides:

→ Regenerative Agriculture: Beyond Organic

→ Building Healthy Soil Naturally

→ Complete Sustainable Farming Guide

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