ANTIQUE — The province of Antique has reached a significant milestone by adopting a resolution that promotes the use of regenerative agriculture across all sectors of its agricultural industry.

The resolution, introduced by Pio Sumande Sr. of the Antique Provincial Board and co-sponsored by several other board members, highlights the crucial role of regenerative agriculture in maintaining a sustainable and productive farming ecosystem while enhancing resilience to climate change.

Earlier, the Biotech for Life project, under the Department of Agriculture-Biotechnology Program Office (DA-BPO), held a forum in Antique focusing on agriculture and food security. During the event, biotechnology expert Dr. Saturnina Halos gave an in-depth presentation on regenerative agriculture. She explained that this method combines the best practices of traditional and modern agriculture to optimize productivity and sustainability.

While regenerative agriculture may seem like a relatively new concept to some, it has actually been around since the 1980s. The practice saw a resurgence in the early 2010s, driven by the growing impacts of climate change.

According to Dr. Halos, regenerative agriculture promotes practices that improve soil health and reduce harmful emissions, such as greenhouse gases, maximizing both productivity and sustainability.

Antique plans to follow up the resolution with an official ordinance, which will codify the integration of regenerative agriculture into the province’s agricultural practices. This will involve increasing the use of natural or organic biofertilizers and biopesticides, while reducing the use of synthetic alternatives.

When asked for her recommendations, Dr. Halos expressed her hope that provincial officials would collaborate with the Department of Agriculture to establish test farms in the region. These farms would help assess farmers’ needs and implement the best methods for integrating regenerative farming practices.

📷 DA-BPO