National Framework for Organic Farming Bhutan day

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National Framework for Organic Farming in Bhutan Department of Agriculture Ministry of Agriculture

Definition of Organic Farming: 

Definition of Organic Farming “Organic agriculture includes all agricultural systems that promote the environmentally, socially and economically sound production of food and fibres. These systems take local soil fertility as a key to successful production. By respecting the natural capacity of plants, animals and the landscape, it aims to optimise quality in all aspects of agriculture and the environment. Organic agriculture dramatically reduces external inputs by refraining from the use of chemo- synthetic fertilisers, pesticides and pharmaceuticals. Instead it allows the powerful laws of nature to increase both agricultural yields and disease resistance.” (IFOAM) “Organic agriculture is a holistic production management system which promotes and enhances agro-ecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. This is accomplished by using, where possible, agronomic, biological and mechanical methods, as opposed to using synthetic materials to fulfil any specific function with the system.” (FAO / WHO in the Codex Alimentarius )

Key Principles of Organic Farming: 

Key Principles of Organic Farming Management and conservation of resources, indigenous species and protection of the environment Protecting the long term fertility of the soil by maintaining and increasing levels of organic matter, fostering soil biological activity and preventing soil erosion Promoting judicious use of and proper care for water resources and the life in it and conservation Reducing to zero all forms of pollution that result from agricultural practices Controlling weeds, diseases and pests by relying primarily on local formulations for plant protection, crop rotations, natural predators, diversity, resistant varieties, and by using local species of successful traditional seeds and crops

Integrated, holistic farming: 

Integrated, holistic farming Integration of animal husbandry within the farm to provide proper living conditions for local breeds of livestock, including clean fodder produced on organic farms and allowing them to live according to their natural behaviour. Careful attention to the impact on wildlife and natural habitats paying heed to their needs for breeding and survival. Holistic farming with full integration of forest resources, livestock rearing and a farming system supported by production of on-farm inputs such as compost, vermi-compost and plant protection formulation.

Benefits of Organic Farming: 

Benefits of Organic Farming Long-term soil fertility, addressing soil erosion, degradation and desertification. Integration of traditional knowledge, with science to improve Knowledge-intensive rather than capital and resource-intensive; Can be an effective risk management tool that reduces input costs, diversifies production, and improves local food security- poverty alleviation Reduces environmental contamination risks, and minimises the public health costs of pesticide poisoning, etc. Higher prices for organic products can provide higher earnings for those involved in production, processing, and trade.

Opportunities in Organic Farming: 

Opportunities in Organic Farming increase household food security reduce rural poverty while conserving biodiversity on farms. Increased awareness about health and environmental benefits from organic products will support the development of a national organic market The international organic market is growing for niche export markets for Bhutanese farmers that can comply with organic standards. Bhutan could become the first country to become ‘organic’ which could have a huge promotion value for Bhutanese products. Labour intensive but also has the potential to generate rural employment in rural enterprises and contribute to rural stability. Learning to manage organic standards prepares farmers to manage other standards that are increasingly required for trade.

Limiting Factors: 

Limiting Factors Limited awareness in the domestic market about nutritional, safety and quality of organic products. Initial yield reductions can be observed, especially for farmers employing cultivation methods that depend on external inputs. The transition period with a likely yield reduction and increased manpower requirements without increased product values may deter farmers’ engagement with organic farming. Increased manpower requirements for organic farming could be an initial constraint until higher paying market-outlets are developed. Certification is costly for small farmers and could be a serious barrier to access markets that require certification. Small and fragmented landholdings can hinder organic certification unless all farms Little knowledge about Organic farming practices among national agricultural extension staff

Why Organic Farming?: 

Why Organic Farming? Organic agriculture is particularly well suited for rural communities in developing countries that are currently most exposed to food shortages, since organic agriculture contributes to food security by a combination of many features, such as: In Bhutan farming is almost organic by default – capitalize on it. Increasing yields in low-potential areas (e.g. dry lands) and market-marginalised areas Conserving bio-diversity and nature resources on the farm and in the surrounding environment Increasing income and/or reducing production costs Producing safe and diversified food suited to the local soil and agro climatic conditions Creating sustainable food supply chains in rural areas to reduce food shortage and address rural poverty

Strength of Bhutan: 

Strength of Bhutan Bhutan has a large rural population still practicing traditional farming Varied agro-climatic conditions and local crop species Clean environment and image Low use of agrochemicals Religious and spiritual beliefs –PP Strong conservation policy Increasing demand for organic products globally No agro-chemical plant

Need for a National Organic Farming Framework: 

Need for a National Organic Farming Framework The National Framework for Organic Farming is the first step towards introduction of an organic policy that will provide a basis for government and private agencies and individuals to restructure agricultural development in Bhutan to make it safe, sustainable and profitable for rural communities. Bhutan needs clear legislation and its own standards for organic production based on Codex Alimentarius. Implementation of Food Safety and Quality standards for Bhutan would provide a base for developing a regulatory framework for traceability and quality assurance for local markets Internal Control Systems (ICS) and a participatory guarantee system to support certification for exports would be another important step forward. a clear organic policy will position us to protect our farming communities in the present global situation, with Bhutan on the verge of joining the WTO Guidelines and support for industry growth A tool for poverty alleviation in the rural areas

Framework For Promotion Of Organic Farming: 

Framework For Promotion Of Organic Farming Vision….. In the long term Bhutan strives to develop and promote Organic Farming as a way of life among Bhutanese farmers and trade in organic items, to enhance nutrition, health and farm household income, and to become a net exporter of organic products. Bhutan envisions to become the first country to become ‘Organic’ before 2020.

Mission: 

Mission To develop and promote Organic Farming and environmentally friendly Farming systems and programmes that will enable Bhutanese farmers and traders to provide safe, quality food, produce and products for Bhutanese consumers and other markets.

Existing Policies supporting Organic Farming: 

Existing Policies supporting Organic Farming The Forest and Nature Conservation Act, 1995 The Biodiversity Act, 2004 IPM- The Pesticide Act of Bhutan, 2000 The Food Safety Act The CBNRM framework for Bhutan, 2002 The Cooperatives Act of Bhutan 2001 The NGO act of Bhutan 2001

Organic Farming and Renewable Natural Resources (RNR): 

Organic Farming and Renewable Natural Resources (RNR) Forest management and wild collection/harvesting of non-wood forest products Integration of field crops, horticultural crops, medicinal and aromatic plants, farming with livestock animals, forestry and biodiversity Production, processing, trading, services and marketing of produce and products, Food safety and nutrition, subsistence to sustainability -poverty alleviation Water quality, environment, biodiversity, conservation, and sustainability

Key Approaches: 

Key Approaches Bhutan embraces the principles of organic production. Bhutan seeks to develop “certified organic produce and products” through an approach of specific selective products in specific regions of the country. Organic agriculture development in Bhutan must be a gradual process and should not be implemented without careful assessment Initially it should begin with produces that have established markets or have comparative advantage. Organic development will start with medicinal and aromatic plants, non-timber forest products from wild collection and selected crops and areas in the geographical areas

STRATEGYThree pronged approach : 

STRATEGY Three pronged approach 1. Subsistence- to sustainability- poverty alleviation strategy Food security Nutrition Food diversity Income generation Rural areas which are untouched by agrochemicals 2.Land use & existing farming practice- for development and need for protection Harness the natural potential Improve and develop production for requirement and potential market- possibility of branding and marketing the locality specific selected areas which have natural potential 3. Commodity approach for niche products mainly targeted for local and international market – contract growing with certification in selected suitable areas

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Studies will be conducted in geographical areas targeted for organic promotion and support programmes need to be put in place from the beginning. Any area selected for organic farming will be offered a package recommendation of farming practices, management alternatives and adequate training prior to adoption of organic farming. Programmes will be generally based on local initiatives and interest unless an area is selected for national interest or for wider public good and conversion to organic will go through a transition period. Development policies will recognise the need to integrate professional marketing support. Certification will be mainly for exports and local certification system developed.

PAM- Guide for development: 

PAM- Guide for development Production-Access- Market Information Technology package Training/ HRD Services Inputs Resources Support Infrastructure Logistics Finance/credit/subsidies Tax exemption on imports Marketing support- information-linkage-coordination

Steps towards realisation of Organic Farming: 

Steps towards realisation of Organic Farming Develop a coordination and advocacy institution to advance Organic farming DoA has been given the mandate to develop and implement the organic programme in close dialogue with the other relevant agencies A national Organic Programme Coordination Unit (OPCU) should be created within the Department of Agriculture. Formation of a Technical Working Group (TWG) consisting of representatives of all relevant agencies to provide overall guidance in implementing the Organic Farming framework

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The OPCU should coordinate provision of: advice on research and development, adjusting government policies, programmes and regulations, developing strategies to improving extension and advisory services improve consumer awareness about organic produce and products. Collaborate with producers- traders-AMS

2. Establish an Organic community and pilot activities: 

2. Establish an Organic community and pilot activities Establish a community including all stakeholders and those who have interests in Organic Farming Establish initial support packages, technical, infrastructure, group formation, certification, focus on soil fertility management and plant protection. Studies of selected organic value chains including product marketing should be conducted to identify weak links and to secure support for strengthening the entire chain.

3. Ensure recognition of standards and certification: 

3. Ensure recognition of standards and certification A government body (Technical Working Group) with authority to approve definitions and standards and grant accreditation to national certifiers should be established. National Organic Standards for Bhutan should be developed and adopted by the Technical Working Group. A national symbol system for the organic sector owned by the MOA and regulated by a body (BAFRA) should be implemented and promoted among consumers.

4. Develop support programmes for transitional growers and MSMEs : 

4. Develop support programmes for transitional growers and MSMEs Programmes should be developed to subsidise the transitional costs and reward the environmental services provided by farmers who stop the use of agrochemicals. Credit and crop insurance schemes should be designed to ensure farmers can have a continued income if their net income from farming falls during the conversion period until their production can be sold as certified organic. Assistance packages including grants or easily accessible loans for organic based MSMEs and industries for value addition including on-farm processing, storage and transportation, input production, etc. should be developed, Certification and accreditation schemes should be designed with appropriate assistance measures to ensure that farmers can participate.

5. Establish support services for production and processing during conversion: 

5. Establish support services for production and processing during conversion Appropriate information material based on studies and lessons learned from different regions of Bhutan should be made available Training programmes should be developed and implemented for organic farming advisors who will support the conversion of farming practices. The National Research Centres should be involved in development of organic practices and an effective cooperation should be established between organic service providers and national researchers to ensure that research needs are properly identified and relevant projects undertaken. Organic advisory services should include assistance for MSMEs in the processing sector with focus on establishing MSMEs in the rural areas.

6. Development of Organic markets: 

6. Development of Organic markets Coordinated supply and marketing chain for organic produce and organic farm inputs should be built as support for conversion to organic farming. The OPCU should work to increase awareness about organic products and to the overall vision and strategy for the organic sector and its markets locally and internationally. Consumer awareness about personal and social benefits of organic foods and farming “Buy Local Organic” The National Post Harvest Centre should spearhead research on options for improving post-harvest handling within the Organic distribution chain. Support for marketing should include a price information for organic products and facilitation of linkage between producers and buyers.

7. Bhutan Organic Standards, internal control systems and group certification for exports: 

7. Bhutan Organic Standards, internal control systems and group certification for exports Bhutan Organic Standards should set out minimum requirements for production, processing, transport and storage and list inputs that are permitted in the production, post harvest, processing and handling of products labelled organic with certification procedures for exports. Organic standards will be included in the Food Safety Standard prepared by BAFRA according to the Codex Alimentarius and ensure standards for Bhutan are compatible with most international standards. A Dzongkha word implying “Organic” (Rangzhin ?) should be used for products produced for the domestic market in accordance with organic standards set by the Certification board but without certification, and the words “certified organic” should be reserved for products with formal certification mainly for export. The use of the word “organic” for produce and products should be regulated once the standards are in place.

Symbols/ logos/Seal: 

Symbols/ logos/Seal National Symbols/logos should be developed to promote organic marketing. The use of this seal should only be authorised to agencies, producers or traders who comply with the Bhutan Organic standards and be a guarantee for quality and high value. An Internal Control System that permits group certification especially for export should be developed. Until national capacity is built foreign certifiers will be used under BAFRA’s registration and approval. Meanwhile a team of local inspector trained to locally inspect products.

A suggested proposal for the structure of organic industry in Bhutan: 

A suggested proposal for the structure of organic industry in Bhutan National Organic Programme Coordination

ACTION PLAN FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FRAMEWORK: 

ACTION PLAN FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FRAMEWORK Immediate actions Formation of a Technical Working Group to provide overall guidance in implementing the National Organic farming framework Establishment of the National Organic Programme Unit to implement and coordinate and implement the National Organic Farming framework Development of National Organic Standards to regulate organic production. Development of a national logo to protect and regulate the term “organic” for imports and exports of organic products Identification of suitable crops and geographical areas for initiation of field activities and initial organic production Sourcing and development of inputs for organic farming to identify alternatives and solutions for plant protection and soil fertility management preferably building on local knowledge Commence education and training of producers and extension personnel in organic farming techniques

ACTION PLAN FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FRAMEWORK: 

ACTION PLAN FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FRAMEWORK Immediate actions Preparation and production of appropriate information material Study the need to develop and establish a certification system for non-certified produce grown without synthetic agro-chemicals (“natural”) or “Rangzhin Sanam” Initialisation of an organic certification system and training of local inspectors Introduction of technologies for appropriate and efficient production and processing of organic produce Research and trial and demonstration of suitable technologies Market research and development of a marketing system for organic products for local and other markets Initiation of a public awareness campaign to raise awareness of the benefits of organic food and organic farming

Medium term actions: 

Medium term actions Establishment of a organic standards board to regulate organic certification systems and standards Promotion of the benefits of organic and “Rangzhin” produce to consumers and support for creation of local markets Research to establish the most effective organic techniques for Bhutan Establishment of on-farm demonstrations on conversion of conventional to organic farms including an economic support scheme for conversion to organic farming Promotion of and assistance for businesses producing organic inputs and services

Longer term actions : 

Longer term actions Development of export markets for organic produce Ongoing research and development of organic production methods and technologies training and support for organic farmers and related businesses Ongoing promotion of organic production systems and “natural” products Regular monitoring and assessment of the effectiveness of the various aspects of organic policies

Important points to consider: 

Important points to consider Need to adopt the framework for implementation Organic farming should be used as a tool to reach the remote areas in the poverty alleviation as it has direct relevance to the rural situation. Organic farming framework necessary to guide the development of the industry as private sector is growing. A System of certification needs to be put in place and a Dzongkha word coined for “organic”

Thank You: 

Thank You Give Nature a chance