Need for policy-makers to know latest potentials in organic farming

Oct 20, 2004

Sarawak Press Sdn. Bhd

Malaysia

KUCHING — Policy-makers in agriculture development, farming communities and practitioners in food industries should know about the latest in potentials of organic farming both locally and internationally, the Sarawak Development Institute (SDI) said yesterday.It said in a statement here that this is because knowledge on organic agriculture is useful to all consumers as it underscores the need for the public to be aware of the dangers of consuming unhealthy and contaminated food produced by uncontrolled chemically-dependent agricultural practices.

It said many of today’s conventional farming methods are heavily dependent on chemical inputs, producing food products that compromise a person’s health, especially in the long-term.Organic agriculture has been touted as an alternative for the production of safe and healthy food and increasingly, there is also the unknown risk posed by genetically-modified foods.As such, the SDI, jointly with the Sarawak Chief Minister’s Department’s Human Resource Development and Quality Unit, is holding a Brown Bag seminar, entitled ‘From Hand To Mouth - Organic Agriculture From The Consumers’ Perspective’ here next Tuesday.

The one-hour talk to be delivered by Allister Hilton Smith, the executive director of Earth Alliance, an organic farming company here, will introduce the audience to the philosophies and concepts behind organic agriculture.It will also deal with the certification procedures that need to be in place before a product can be considered 100 per cent organic and the amount of organic food products avaible in the Sarawak markets today.

Are organic foods affordable enough for mass consumption is some of the interesting questions members of the public can expect to get at the seminar.Incepted on June 11 2002, the Brown Bag talk is a unique series of monthly lunch seminar to generate healthy discussions on pertinent current issues affecting the society for greater awareness and proactive stands by the community. Those interested to register for the talk may contact SDI (tel no 082-415484). Registration is free. — Bernama