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| Ephrathah pavilion and dormitory |
Natural
farming is a culture where plants are grown in 100% natural environment with
the least human interference and no harmful chemicals or synthetic products
used. It is practically leaving the crops grow and produce in their natural
environment, and man comes enhances the natural conditions to improve
productivity.
The
potential of the Ilonggo market for organic products is under-explored and the
sector has immense growth opportunities with a good following taking to
healthier and more eco-friendly lifestyles.
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| one of the major oranic produce of the farm, the dragon fruit |
Organic
agriculture continues to expand rapidly in Iloilo as these products continue to
enter the mainstream retail trade. Major
food manufacturers are developing organic product lines and food service sales
on organic produce in restaurants, canteens and other institutions are also
increasing. Personal care, household products, etc. are also gaining market
shares with organic produce.
The
Cańoto family headed by Engineer Eddie Cańoto started working for the farm that
bordered their property. He learned to farm using organic and sustainable
methods that would mean applying environmentally sound and sustainable
eco-organic cultivation with no chemical pesticides, fertilizers, or herbicides
etc. ever used on the farm or in the nursery.
Farming
over almost 9 hectares in the Barangay of Sariri, Badiangan, Iloilo, EPHRATHAH
Farm is committed to organic and sustainable agriculture. The farm seeks to
inspire a natural life style that cares for the environment.
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| red lady papaya organically grown in the farm |
Organic
agriculture is intended to produce high quality, nutritious food that
contributes to the preventive health care and well-being of individuals. And
that the use of fertilizers, pesticides, animal drugs and food additives that
may have adverse health effects should be avoided.
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| pickled indian mango |
As
organic growers, the farm has gained new respect for the beauty and complexity
of the natural system of growing. For the health of people and the environment,
Ephrathah is committed to increase the production and availability of their
organically grown produce. New doors have opened. Growing organically is a very
rewarding experience for the Cańoto Family.
Ephrathah
Farm is presently adding value to their organic produce at the production
level, processing and even in packaging. It has been producing organic rice such
as SL-8H, pink, black and violet varieties; fresh fruits such as the rare
dragon fruit and red lady papaya as well as herbal plants and forage.
Other
products of the farm include tilapia, pangasius and catfish. The farm also
takes pride of their pickled red lady papaya, pickled indian mango and the very
refreshing Ephrathah juice that is a mixture of lemongrass, malunggay, ginger,
calamansi and basil leaves.
The
farm is also carefully selecting their distribution channels. Presently, they
are supplying their organic produce to Central Philippine University for use in
their dormitories and canteen.
Marketing,
promotion and communication is also given much emphasis by the farm. Before the
end of this year, the farm will be open to public for daily visits. Adding to
their attraction of organic produce, the farm will open its facilities such as
its mini-hotel, swimming pool, pavilion, restaurant and shop.
Whether
in farming, processing, distribution, or consumption, the basic role of organic
agriculture is to sustain and enhance the health of ecosystems and organisms
from the smallest in the soil to human beings.
For
more information please contact Engr. Eddie Cańoto at 09273302191 or the Office
of Culture, Arts, History and Tourism – Iloilo Province at telefax (033) 3384910.
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