The Negros First Organic Technology Center (NFOTEC) in Barangay Tabunan, Bago City has been certified by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) as Western Visayas’ first learning site for integrated and diversified organic farming.

A copy of the certification, which is effective for five years from August 2018 to August 2023, was given by ATI-Region 6 (Western Visayas) Center Director Eden Bautista to personnel of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist on Tuesday.

The turnover was held during the consultative meeting of city and municipal agriculturists in Negros Occidental at Nature’s Village Resort in Talisay City.

Provincial supervising agriculturist Dina Genzola said the certification will allow the Capitol-run facility to conduct trainings on organic agriculture and implement other programs to further develop the agriculture industry of the province.

The ATI can also provide assistance to improve the facilities of the training center, she added.

Genzola said OPA is also pushing for the accreditation of the organic center with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and collaborating with the Negros Occidental Language and Information Technology Center for the conduct of more trainings.

A training on organic farming for students will be held on September 10.

“This learning site is a big boost to our local agriculture sector as it provides access to education for our farmers,” Genzola added.

The NFOTEC was inaugurated in January this year as part of the provincial government’s initiative to boost organic production.

The facility, which is located near the Negros First Rice Processing Center, also serves as production area for various organic commodities such as crops, and poultry and livestock. (PNA)