Agriculture and Ecosystem PDF

AGRICULTURE AND THE ECOSYSTEM Humans as Managers of the Ecosystem Land has been man’s habitat and living -​ In using land, he/she almost space. invariably simplifies the ecosystem -​ It is whe...

AGRICULTURE AND THE ECOSYSTEM Humans as Managers of the Ecosystem Land has been man’s habitat and living -​ In using land, he/she almost space. invariably simplifies the ecosystem -​ It is where most of his sustenance by removing or suppressing the and much of his fuel (food), clothing, components for which it has no use and shelter has been drawn. to him/her and imposing a -​ Since land in itself is so diverse, its single-species plantation crop or a uses are equally diverse. field of rice. -​ The land may be used for growing food or timber, for housing, airports, Properties of Ecosystem factories, recreational spaces and 1.​ Stability – The ability of the system many other uses that reflect the to maintain some form of complexities of modern life. equilibrium in the presence of perturbations Land as an Ecosystem (storms/earthquakes/fires, etc.). -​ An ecosystem is defined as a 2.​ Resilience – The ability to maintain recognizable, defined area of the or re-establish structure and earth, sharing common structural behavior when disturbed or the features and being maintained by rate of return to equilibrium rather specific interrelated biotic (living) than disturbance. and abiotic (non-living) processes. -​ In an agroecosystem, this is the -​ An ecosystem is composed of biotic ability to maintain productivity in the and abiotic components. All of these face of stress or disturbances. components interact with each other 3.​ Self-organization – The ability to to create a balanced, self- sustaining maintain or re-establish itself system. through mutually reinforcing -​ Man comes at the end of the food interactions. chain, consuming directly in the 4.​ Diversity – Diversity refers to the forms of plant products such as number of species or biotic vegetables or in the form of meat richness of an ecosystem and milk produced by animals that 5.​ Complexity – Complexity refers to feed on plant materials. both the number of system components and the number and nature of their interactions. 1.​ Natural: Terrestrial 6.​ Efficiency (Productivity) – Ex. Grassland, forest, dessert Describes the output per unit input applied in the system. 2.​ Aquatic -​ Ecological efficiency, on the other Ex. Marine = Ocean, Freshwater = Lakes hand, is the conversion of food resources to biomass by 3.​ Artificial or Man-made organisms. Ex. Aquarium and Crop field  7.​ Sustainability – simply refers to the -​ Nitrates in drinking water poses ability of an ecosystem to maintain health hazards especially in structure and function indefinitely or pregnant women as this may cause long-term stability. blue-baby syndrome. -​ Eutrophication is another impact of Agriculture and the Environment excessive N and P fertilizer application. In this phenomenon, -​ The highest land use in terms of phytoplankton and other aquatic the area is agriculture. plants become more abundant and -​ At the global scale, agriculture is when the increased mass of OM the most significant land use in decomposers, the dissolved oxygen terms of environmental impacts. content of water may be depleted. -​ 2.​ Farm Chemicals “Land use” is the term used to describe the -​ The use of pesticides (chemicals human use of land. used to control pests and diseases) and herbicides (for weeds) have increased parallel with the use of the fertilizer. -​ These include other related chemicals used in agricultural production such as insecticides, fungicides, bactericides, molluscicides, and others. -​ It is estimated that about 70-90% of the crop grown areas of the world received pesticides during the production period. -​ Pesticides play a vital role in modern The modern agricultural practices and intensive agriculture for without their techniques transformed agricultural use, cereal crop production would production tremendously, but at the cost of fall estimated at 24% to 45%. environmental consequences. -​ These are toxic to a wide range of organisms affecting even those Impacts of Agriculture in the non-target species. Environment -​ Another effect is that some pests develop resistance, thus increasing 1.​ Fertilizer doses of new types of chemicals -​ The use of fertilizers has grown required to achieve pest control. tremendously. There is evidence that nitrate levels in both rivers and 3.​ Farm Wastes ground waters have increased as a -​ Agricultural and animal wastes are result of N fertilizers. significant environmental burdens  that may lead to ground and water being drained and used for crop and pollution if not utilized properly. animal production. -​ For example, the burning of agricultural wastes results in air Environmental and Social Issues in pollution and emission of the GHG. Agriculture 1.​ Resource Degradation – Land degradation happens when there is; -​ Overgrazing – the practice of grazing too many livestock for too long a period on land unable to recover its vegetation -​ Intensive cultivation -​ Fires (forest fires) -​ Improper water management -​ Improper irrigation practice causing salinization and water logging 2.​ Pollution – Pollution is the main concern in areas of intensive cultivation. The causes are; -​ Agrochemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides, -​ Poor waste management from livestock production including improper manure handling, slaughter houses, and food processing plants. -​ Burning of crop residues 3.​ Loss of habitat and biodiversity -​ Natural water resources taken for irrigation may also destroy water 4.​ Soil Erosion habitats. -​ Soil erosion is the wearing away of -​ Fencing, competition with livestock, soil particles either by water or wind. habitat degradation, disturbances, -​ Its undesirable consequences are poaching, and hunting may deplete sedimentation, siltation of rivers, and wildlife. to other water bodies, eutrophication, decrease of soil 4.​ Increase in natural threats fertility, and low yields. -​ Greenhouse gas emitted to the air caused the ‘greenhouse effect’ 5.​ Drainage which is a major cause of climate -​ Because of the pressure of change. population increase, wetlands are  -​ Global warming then increases NECESSARY SUPPORT floods, hurricanes, droughts, SERVICES, APPROPRIATING desertification, and melting of FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR glaciers and permafrost. OTHER PURPOSES -​ Deforestation and overgrazing The principle behind the policy is to: increases flood risk, land degradation, landslides, and 1.​ improve the conditions of farmers mudflows. and fisherfolks 5.​ Impact on food quality and 2.​ increase their productivity to meet consumer health the demands of the growing markets -​ Irrigation water which is locally and abroad contaminated, inappropriate agrochemicals, and unhygienic The policy seeks to transform the treatment and storage may spoil agriculture and fisheries sector into A agricultural products. technology-based, advanced, and -​ Some diseases of animals can be competitive industry transmitted to humans. -​ Antibiotics which are poorly Principles: administered including other veterinary chemicals can enhance Poverty Alleviation and Social Equity the development of antibiotic -​ shall ensure that the poorer sectors resistance in bacteria, with of society have equitable access to detrimental effects to humans and resources, income opportunities, animals. basic and support services and infrastructure especially in areas AFMA of 1997 (RA 8435) where productivity is low as a means -​ This Act is known as the “Agriculture of improving their quality of life and Fisheries Modernization Act of compared with other sectors of 1997” society; -​ Author: Edgardo J. Angara -​ December 22, 1997 Food Security -​ shall assure the availability, AFMA of 1997 (RA 8435) adequacy, accessibility and -​ AN ACT PRESCRIBING URGENT affordability of food supplies to all at RELATED MEASURES TO all times; MODERNIZE THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES SECTORS OF Rational Use of Resources THE COUNTRY IN ORDER TO -​ shall adopt a rational approach in ENHANCE THEIR PROFITABILITY, the allocation of public investments AND PREPARE SAID SECTORS in agriculture and fisheries in order FOR THE CHALLENGES OF to assure efficiency and GLOBALIZATION THROUGH AN effectiveness in the use of scarce ADEQUATE, FOCUSED AND resources and thus obtain optimal RATIONAL DELIVERY OF ROIs;  these sectors from a resource-based Global Competitiveness to a technology-based industry; -​ shall enhance the competitiveness 2.​ To enhance profits and incomes in of the agriculture and fisheries the agriculture and fisheries sectors, sectors in both domestic and foreign particularly the small farmers and markets; fisherfolk, by ensuring equitable access to: Sustainable Development -​ shall promote development that is ​ assets, compatible with the preservation of ​ resources and services, and the ecosystem in areas where ​ promoting higher-value crops, agriculture and fisheries activities ​ value-added processing, are carried out. ​ agribusiness activities, and -​ should exert care and judicious use ​ agro-industrialization; of the country’s natural resources in order to attain long-term 3.​ To ensure the accessibility, sustainability; availability and stable supply of food to all at all times; People Empowerment -​ shall promote people empowerment by enabling all citizens through 4.​ To encourage horizontal and vertical direct participation or through their integration, consolidation and duly elected, chosen or designated expansion of agriculture and representatives the opportunity to fisheries activities, groups, functions participate in policy formulation and and other services through the decision-making by establishing the organization of cooperatives, appropriate mechanisms and by farmers’ and fisherfolk’s giving them access to information; associations, corporations, nucleus estates, and consolidated farms and Protection from Unfair Competition to enable these entities to benefit -​ shall protect small farmers and from economies of scale, afford fisherfolk from unfair competition them a stronger negotiating position, such as monopolistic and pursue more focused, efficient and oligopolistic practices by promoting a appropriate research and policy environment that provides development efforts and enable them priority access to credit and them to hire professional managers; strengthened cooperative-based marketing systems. 5.​ To promote people empowerment by strengthening people’s organizations, cooperatives and Objectives: NGOs and by establishing and 1.​ To modernize the agriculture and improving mechanisms and fisheries sectors by transforming processes for their participation in  government decision-making and 3.​ Income enhancement and implementation; profitability, especially for farmers and fisherfolk; 6.​ To pursue a market-driven approach 4.​ Global competitiveness; to enhance the comparative 5.​ Sustainability. advantage of our agriculture and fisheries sectors in the world market; Food Security, Poverty Alleviation, Social Equity and Income Enhancement. 7.​ To induce the agriculture and fisheries sectors to ascend a.​ Increased income and profit of small continuously the value-added ladder farmers and fisherfolk; by subjecting their traditional or new b.​ Availability of rice and other staple products to further processing in foods at affordable prices; order to minimize the marketing of c.​ Reduction of rural poverty and raw, unfinished or unprocessed income inequality; products; d.​ Reduction of the incidence of malnutrition; 8.​ To adopt policies that will promote e.​ Reduction of rural unemployment industry dispersal and rural and underemployment; and industrialization by providing f.​ Improvement in land tenure of small incentives to local and foreign farmers. investors to establish industries that have backward linkages to the Global Competitiveness and country’s agriculture and fisheries Sustainability. resource base; a.​ Increase in the volume, quality and 9.​ To provide social and economic value of agriculture and fisheries adjustment measures that increase production for domestic consumption productivity and improve market and for exports; efficiency while ensuring the b.​ Reduction in post-harvest losses; protection and preservation of the c.​ Increase in the number/types and environment and equity for small quality of processed agricultural and farmers and fisherfolk; and fishery products; d.​ Increase in the number of 10.​To improve the quality of life of all international trading partners in sectors. agriculture and fishery products; e.​ Increase in the number of The Agriculture and Fisheries sustainable agriculture and fisheries Modernization Plan focuses on five (5) firms engaged in domestic major concerns: production, processing, marketing and export activities; 1.​ Food security; f.​ Increase in and wider level of 2.​ Poverty alleviation and social entrepreneurship among farmers equity; and fisherfolk in the area;  g.​ Increase in the number of farms -​ DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, a engaged in diversified farming; and former Representative of 2nd District h.​ Reduced use of agro-chemicals that of Quezon. are harmful to health and the -​ Не is considered as the "Father of environment. Organic Agriculture" in the Philippines. AFMA General Provisions -​ Approved: APRIL 06, 2010 -​ AFMA has an appropriation of 20 Billion on its first year and 17 Billion Declaration of Policy annually in its next six years -​ It is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote, propagate, other infrastructure including: develop further and implement the -​ fishports, practice of organic agriculture in the -​ seaports, and Philippines that will cumulatively -​ airports, condition and enrich the fertility of -​ farm-to-coast-to-market roads, the soil, increase farm productivity, -​ rural energy, reduce pollution and destruction of -​ communications infrastructure, the environment, prevent the -​ watershed rehabilitation, depletion of natural resources, -​ water supply system, further protect the health of farmers, -​ research and technology consumers, and the general public, infrastructure, and save on imported farm inputs. -​ public markets and abattoirs; Basic Principles Health Ecology Fairness Care Organic production system is a system designed to: 1)​ enhance diversity within the biological whole system; 2)​ increase soil biological activity 3)​ maintain long-term soil fertility 4)​ recycle wastes of plant and animal origin in order to return nutrients to the land, thus minimizing the use of REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10068 nonrenewable resources; -​ This Act shall be known as the 5)​ rely on renewable resources in "Organic Agriculture Act of 2010" locally organized agricultural system; 6)​ promote the healthy use of soil, Who created RA 10068? water and air as well as minimize all  forms of pollution thereto that may the promotion and commercialization of result from agricultural practices; organic farming practices, 7)​ develop and promote the use of cultivation and adoption of production and biotechnology in agriculture; processing methods which have already 8)​ handle agricultural products with been developed, or to be developed, emphasis on careful processing continuing research and upgrading methods in order to maintain the thereof, organic integrity and vital qualities of the capacity building of farmers and the the product at all stages; and education of consumers thereon, 9)​ become established on any existing farm through a period of convention, -​ established a comprehensive the appropriate length of which is organic agricultural program determined by site-specific factors through: such as the history of the land, and the extension of assistance to local type of crops and livestock to be government units (LGU's), peoples' produced organizations (POs), non government organizations (NGOs) and other Coverage stakeholders including individuals and (a)​ Policy formulation on regulation, groups who are practicing and promoting registration, accreditation, these methods as well as those who are certification and labeling on organic willing to do other pertinent activities, and agriculture; (b)​ Research, development and -​ documentation and evaluation of the extension of appropriate, sustainable program environment and gender-friendly organic agriculture; (c)​ Promotion and encouragement of the establishment of facilities, equipment and processing plants that would accelerate the production and commercialization of organic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and other appropriate farm inputs; and (d)​ Implementation of organic agricultural programs, projects and activities, including the provision and delivery of support services with focus on the farmers and other stakeholders. National Organic Agricultural Board (NOAB) National Organic Agricultural Program -​ established a comprehensive The NOAB shall consist of: organic agricultural program through: (a) The Secretary of Agriculture, or his duly (g) Call upon private sectors, POs and authorized permanent representative, with a NGOs and the academe to provide advice rank of Undersecretary, as Chairperson; on matters pertaining to organic agriculture (b) The Secretary of the Interior and Local and conduct of capability-building initiatives Government (DILG) to farmers, producers, extension workers, (c) The Secretary of Science and consumers and other stakeholders in Technology (DOST) agriculture sector in coordination with the (d) The Secretary of Environment and Agricultural Training Institute; Natural Resources (DENR) (h) Submit annual and other periodic reports (e) The Secretary of Education (DepED) to the President, Secretary of the DA and (f) The Secretary of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Congress of the Philippines through the (g) The Secretary of Trade and Industry Congressional Oversight Committee on (DTI) Agricultural and Fisheries Modernization (h) The Secretary of Health (DOH) (COCAFM); (i) Three (3) representatives from the small (i) exercise such other powers and functions farmers; and () A representative each from as may be necessary to carry out effectively the NGOs involved in sustainable the purposes and objectives of this Act; and agriculture for at least three (3) years; (j) Perform such functions as may be agricultural colleges and universities; and necessary for its effective operations and for private sector or agribusiness firms; as the continued enhancement, growth or members. development of organic agriculture. Powers and Functions of NOAB Appropriations The NOAB shall have the following powers -​ The sum of Fifty million pesos and functions: (Php50,000,000.00) and the existing (a) Formulate policies, plans, programs and budget for the promotion of organic projects to develop and promote organic farming of the DA is hereby agriculture, production, processing and appropriated for the initial year of trade; implementation of this Act (b) Oversee the successful implementation of the National Organic Agricultural Careers in Agriculture Program; -​ Most Filipinos think that agriculture (c) Identify sources of financing to expand is merely planting of crops or raising organic agriculture; animals. (d) Monitor and evaluate the performance of -​ With the appropriate educational programs for appropriate incentives; qualification, a lot of professional (e) Undertake measures for the international careers in agriculture are available recognition of local certification of organic such as researchers, scientists, products (Organic Certification Center of the teachers, food technologists, feed Philippines (OCCP). and food nutritionist, sales manager, (f) Call upon any government agency to bank appraisers, agricultural carry out and implement programs and statisticians, farm managers, projects identified by the NOAB; farmer-scientist, agri-consultants, etc.  -​ The Creation of RA 8435, known as Enhance working knowledge through the Agriculture and Fisheries technical and scientific exposures Modernization Act (AFMA) of 1997 Conduct innovative research to generate mandates that agriculture graduates good agricultural practices and desired take the Agriculturist Licensure products Examination (ALE) to professionalize agriculture and be at par with other professions. B. Diagnose and analyze strengths and limitations, opportunities, threats in the The BS Agriculture Program practice of agriculture profession -​ The BS Agriculture Program is a degree program designed to prepare ​ Keep abreast/updated with professionals with general developments in the field of competencies in carrying out the agricultural sciences science, art, ethics, management ​ Analyze, interpret and utilize and entrepreneurial business in the technical and socio-economic data production, processing, and to evaluate opportunities and marketing of plants, animals, and constraints. other organisms utilized for food, fiber, recreation, biomedicine, C. Conceptualize and formulate industrial and other purposes within systems-oriented strategic plans and the context of integrated and programs for agricultural development. sustainable resource system. -​ An agriculturist, refers to a person Examine the inter and interdependence of who has competence to scientifically systems within the context of agricultural diagnose and pursue opportunities, development. design and implement appropriate Map out strategic plans using technical, strategies, manage resources. scientific, market and other sources of -​ Also, he/she should be able to information provide scientific, technical, and Prepare workable agricultural plans, policy advice in implementing programs and feasibility studies. programs that would promote Formulate alternative measures to solve agricultural development. potential problems in implementing agricultural plans and programs Duties and Competencies of an Agriculture Graduate D. Manage resources effectively and A. Perform the task in the technical and efficiently scientific fields with confidence and creativity Conduct resource inventory by employing recent qualitative and quantitative tools. Apply concepts, principles and Assess and analyze the enterprise using methodologies techniques that will establish strengths, limitations, opportunities and threats.  Develop strategies and alternatives within the context of sustainability. Apply good management practices in the Formulate and implement resource workplace for safety management plans for improved and Promote consciousness in the application sustained productivity. of agricultural technology among workers Assess the overall efficiency and for public safety. sustainability of agricultural plans and programs Recommend and disseminate best H. Implement agricultural development management practices developed from the compatible with resource conservation enterprise. Explain the interrelationship of agriculture and environment. E. Monitor and evaluate plans and Identify best management practices and programs in agriculture promote their application in specific sectors of the agriculture industry. Promote Conduct performance audit to assess resource conservation and sustainable use. progress and accomplishments of the enterprise and recommend measures to I. Develop communication skills and ensure sustained use of resources strategies available. Convey ideas and information clearly and Design benefit monitoring and evaluation effectively. plans and programs. Apply the principle and use different forms Formulate and types of communication. verifiable performance indicators of Develop the ability to access, retrieve, agricultural plans and programs process, and disseminate information. Take corrective actions and programs. Prepare, review, analyze and evaluate technical papers and scientific reports, proposals, researches, and concept papers F. Advocate agricultural laws, rules, and respond promptly. regulations, and related policies Update oneself of the recent trends on information and communication Know and specialize existing agricultural technologies (ICT). laws, rules and regulations and related policies. J. Develop and cultivate collaborative Identify policy impacts and gaps. and productive work attitude towards the Formulate recommendations for policy agriculture profession reforms Demonstrate the values of self-respect Design and implement strategies for and integrity. advocacy Innovate for improvement of the agriculture profession. Develop self-resilience and practice G. Practice and promote public safety in teamwork and networking with high the use of agricultural technology performance and quality.  Agricultural Extension, Education. K. Provide leadership and vision in identifying, creating, and pursuing opportunities in agricultural development Identify, collect and integrate important data and information on specific agricultural situations. Evaluate data/information using appropriate statistical and decision making tools. Identify rational alternatives to solve specific problems, close critical gaps and pursue opportunities. Synthesize relevant information to understand the emerging global scenario. Pursue a program of action with enthusiasm and determination. Practice leadership qualities and display social concern. L. Practice ethical interpersonal relations with employees, subordinates, peers, clients and the general public Observe professional ethics and standards. Respect the rights of others and recognize their accomplishments. Demonstrate emotional integrity/maturity. Motivate others to participate actively in PRC Accredited Professional Organization (APO) and other agriculture-related association activities and comply with their policies and obligations. Major Field in Agriculture Agricultural Economics, Animal Science, Crop Protection, Crop Science, Soil Science and