Resola said the cost of production is also less with organic rice because the farmers make the pesticides and fertilizers themselves such as vermicompost, cow milk and honey.
Brown rice production saves on labor, energy, maintenance cost and shortens milling time because rice millers can do away with polishing and re-polishing rice, according to Oxfam.
The local government unit (LGU) first provided the cooperative with organic farming technologies and seedlings until Magsaysay farmers became able to sustain the production, Resola said.
Grow campaign
The good food project aims to encourage small farmers to produce brown rice, and consumers to include brown rice in their regular diet.
Jessan Catre, interim coordinator of Oxfam Mindanao Programme, told reporters that Oxfam’s Grow campaign helps shift the market’s thinking on brown rice through online campaign and social networking.
He added that aside from mall exhibits, the groups will also visit communities.[]
Noel Cabangon of Dakila, who attended the event, said shifting a mindset is not that easy and that is why the campaign takes a longer period as it is the culture of Filipinos that needs to be changed.
“Eventually it (brown rice) will be competitive and easily available. We value the benefit we get from brown rice.[]
