The post-Terra Madre misunderstanding between Governor Bong Lacson and its local organizers over the supposedly low sales of the organic farmers’ festival that was held alongside the food festival was a bit of a shame because it looked like it came from the Guv being given incomplete information. Hopefully they have already settled their differences and are already working on how to do better when it comes back in a couple of years.
The bottom line is that even if this first edition of the Terra Madre Asia Pacific held in Bacolod City could be considered a success, there was still so much room for improvement, the governor’s concerns for the organic farmers included.
If Terra Madre does come back to Bacolod in a couple of years, there is a lot that can be done to ensure that our local farmers are the biggest beneficiaries. Aside from just being the preferred suppliers for the event, they should be given opportunities for exploring and signing long term supply contracts with the international delegation.
For that to happen there must be closer coordination with the exhibitors and the farmers. There might be better results for everyone if they were connected to each other months before the event, so the demand side can make a list of the organic produce that they need, and the farmers can respond by trying to see if they can make/grow what is needed. Improving the communication and synergy between the supply and demand side would certainly make sure everybody wins, including the customers who were disappointed by the multitude of ‘sold out’ signs for most of the festival.
The sold out signs at the recently concluded Terra Madre Asia and Pacific in Bacolod proved that the market is there, which was probably a pleasant surprise for the participants. If the supply chain can be improved, the next edition should be a bigger success, where better prepared advocates can champion their slow food to even more people who get to try their wares. The fruits, vegetables, livestock, and spices that the organic farmers bring should already have a waiting market, which they can prepare for beforehand, bringing the right products and quantities. This means they have to know even before they plant and harvest what they are going to deliver, instead just guessing what the market will need and ultimately getting it wrong, resulting in missed opportunities for all involved.
I don’t think Governor Lacson’s comments on being disappointed with the sales of organic farmers during the Terra Madre was meant to throw it in a negative light. He probably just wanted the farmers who were on the south side of the Lagoon to have the same success enjoyed by booths and exhibits at the north side. And as soon as the sales records were reconciled, the matter was probably settled and everyone was content. However, if you come to think of it, that doesn’t mean there is no more room for improvement, which is something we should always aspire for.
Perhaps Guv just wants the Negrense organic farmers to feel like he is concerned for them, after all, there is a controversial move at the Capitol to end the 18-year genetically modified organisms ban in the province. That was put on pause by the Terra Madre event, which sides with the pro-organic lobby, but as soon as the delegates pack up and leave, the push to debate to allow GMOs into the island is expected to continue.
Whether or not Negros Occidental remains GMO-free, slow food and organic farming has already become a part of our consciousness. Terra Madre will supposedly return in 2 years, and by then we will know if GMOs have returned and become part of our landscape, or if the organic lobby was able to retain the status quo. Regardless of the outcome, those that choose to stay organic should still be able to count on the government’s support, as the provincial government surely wouldn’t abandon the organic roots that it has cultivated, just because GMOs are allowed. The next slow food or organic farmer’s event should demonstrate just how committed our government officials are to the movement.*
