A
farmer-led network of people's organizations, non-government organizations
and scientists working towards the sustainable use and management of
biodiversity through farmers' control of genetic and biological resources,
agricultural production and associated knowledge.
MASIPAG,
in celebration of World Food Day held A GM Rice Forum entitled
"Farmers Not Hungry for GM rice" last October 16,
2006 in Balay Kalinaw, U.P. Diliman, Quezon City. The current
satus of GM rice research and its implication to health, environment
and small farmers were discussed by Dr. Chito Medina and Veronica
Promentilla of MASIPAG, Dr. Romy Quijano of Pesticides Action
Network-Philippines, Neth Daño of Third World Network,
Aurora Regalado of MODE,...
Eunie
Geraldo, a MASIPAG farmer in Bukidnon talked about his farm during
the conference.
Another
MASIPAG farmer bagged the coveted Bayaning Pilipino Awards, Family
Category, for 2006. Ernesto Doroteo and his family won the regional
awards and qualified to be a grand finalist in the national competition
last July 16, 2006.
Lydia
Macaya is only 35 years old but already she is addressed with
the respectful 'Nang' before her name. Nang Lydia is a community
leader, rice breeder and trainer in organic agriculture. On her
½ ha plot she is developing a new strain of pest resistant,
high yielding, locally adapted rice. She is also testing a new
method of growing organic rice, trialing 60 different varieties,
and growing enough food to feed herself and her extended family.
Bacterial
blight is a water-borne disease. It infects plants when droplets
carrying the bacteria (Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae)
land on leaf wounds, which are caused by a range of factors
including
heavy rains and typhoon winds. Rice plants are more susceptible
to the disease under high temperatures and humidity, and when nitrogen
fertilizers are used.
Quotes
”
I joined MASIPAG because I saw that what I was doing was unfair
to the farmers and very destructive of the environment. I realized
the need to start empowering the farmers and weaning them away
from the harm brought about by heavy inputs of chemicals and heavy
debt burdens. It was also a way for me to repay for some of the
damage I had done in my work in the past.”
Luzon:
81 (12 provinces)
Lydia
Macaya is only 35 years old but already she is addressed with
the respectful 'Nang' before her name. Nang Lydia is a community
leader, rice breeder and trainer in organic agriculture. On her
½ ha plot she is developing a new strain of pest resistant,
high yielding, locally adapted rice. She is also testing a new
method of growing organic rice, trialing 60 different varieties,
and growing enough food to feed herself and her extended family.
