LA TRINIDAD, Benguet- The Organic Certification Center of the Philippines has officially released the Organic Certificate of Benguet State University (BSU) making it as the first organic academic institution in the country.

BSU has undertaken steps in the area of research of instruction, extension and production as a pro-organic state university.

Under the BSU Organic Agriculture program, organic agriculture is now open as a major in the degree program Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSA).

Likewise the Certification in Practical Organic Agriculture is offered alongside with the Master of Science in Agroecology with specialization in Organic Agriculture in partnership with the International Crops Research Institute (ICRI) based in India.

The BSU Internal Guarantee System for Organic Farming was also developed to serve as a tool to monitor and guarantee cropping system and practices in the organic production of strawberry, highland vegetables, and Arabica coffee.

BSU, through the Organic Agriculture Farm, is now a certified producer of organic herbs, vegetables, and fruits, Colting said.

According to BSU president Dr. Rogelio Colting, the Cordillera Organic Agriculture Development Center was launched to become the sixth research institution of the University.

Through a resolution, the Regional Development Council (RDC) acknowledged BSU's response to the universal call for ecologically sound and sustainable agricultural practices by initiating activities in support to organic farming in the region and working to become the lead organic agriculture university in Southeast Asia. *(JDP/JBZ-PIA CAR)