Organic producers generated some P2.7 million in total sales during the 16th Negros Island Organic Farmers Festival held at the Provincial Capitol grounds in Bacolod City from November 15 to 19.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said yesterday he considers the five-day event a success as it allowed Negrense farmers to sell their produce, products and merchandise to a wider market.

“We will continue to support that,” he told Capitol reporters.

Data showed that during the opening day on November 15, total sales hit P429,135; November 16, P533,730; November 17, P601,638; and November 18, P566,694.

On Sunday, November 19, the final day, sales reached about P569,000.

“We need to empower and enable our farmers, making it our primary goal to enhance the market potential of our organic products,” Lacson said in his message during the opening program.

With the theme “Regeneration for Future Generations,” the festival highlighted the importance of eco-friendly farming practices, emphasizing sustainable regenerative farming.

It featured an organic fair and an exhibit of Negros Island’s best organic offerings, including farm produce, products and merchandise, as well as cook fests, seminars and workshops.

The festival, held alongside the 1st Terra Madre Visayas organized by the Slow Food Community in Negros Island, aimed to promote small-scale, traditional and sustainable food production in the region. (PNA)