BACOLOD CITY - The five-day Negros Island Organic Farmers Festival here earned a total sales of P2,752,506.83.
The Bacolod City Farmers Federation at the 16th Negros Island Organic Farmers Festival held on Nov. 15 to 19 in Bacolod City. (Photo courtesy of Organic Trading Post Neg Occ)
This was revealed by Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, to the members of the media on Monday, Nov. 20.
Based on the data obtained from the organizers, the first day of the festival, which kicked off at the North Capitol Road, earned P429,135.50, while the biggest sales were reported on the last day, amounting to P621,308.23.
The festival, which is the longest-running organic festival in the Philippines and in Asia, started in 2006 hosted by the provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental.
This year's theme, "Regeneration for Future Generations," highlighted the importance of eco-friendly farming practices, emphasizing the concept of sustainable regenerative farming, according to Dina Genzola, officer-in-charge of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist.
The 16th edition of the Negros Island Organic Farmers Festival was held on Nov. 15 to 19, alongside the 1st Terra Madre Visayas.
The first-ever Terra Madre Visayas event was a partnership among the Slow Food Community of Negros, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, Slow Food International, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the Department of Tourism (DoT) and the provincial government of Negros Occidental.
The event, with the central theme "Visayas: Food and Culture Biodiversity," underscored the festival's commitment to eco-friendly farming practices and collectively envisions the future of the country’s food systems and the planet.
This aims to unite food communities, academe, youth delegates, and stakeholders to promote small-scale, traditional, and sustainable food production, according to Reena Gamboa, president of Slow Food Community of Negros Island.
For his part, Slow Food International Councilor for Southeast Asia Ramon "Chinchin" Uy Jr., said the Negros Island Organic Farmers Festival and Terra Madre Visayas will serve as catalysts for change, uniting individuals and communities in the pursuit of a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future, ensuring a legacy of regeneration for generations to come.
Meanwhile, Lacson said that Negros Oriental will host the 2024 Negros Island Organic Farmers Festival.
But, he said there is no discussion yet on who will host the annual event next year.
"I can ask Negros Oriental if they are ready to host it, to get them really interested and look forward to this yearly event," Lacson said.