THERE are two new Philippine National Standards (PNS) on organic agriculture, according to the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS).These are the Organic Livestock and Poultry Feeds Code of Practice (COP) and Organic Ruminants COP.PNS/BAFS 382:2024, or Organic Livestock and Poultry Feeds COP, consists of recommended practices in the process of formulation and production of farm-made and commercial organic feeds and other feed products for livestock and poultry.PNS/BAFS 383:2024, or the Organic Ruminants COP, contains recommended practices in the organic production of ruminants and their raw milk.The COP covers practices in the milking practices, fabricating, slaughtering, transporting, packaging and labeling of produce.PNS serve as normative documents in the organic certification scheme in the country. Organic farmers are given a one-year transition period to comply with the new PNS.PNS/BAFS 382:2024 will serve as the basis and is part of the requirements for organic livestock and poultry feeds certification.In the meantime, the previous PNS on ruminant production will be followed until the transition period lapses.The new PNS will serve as a basis and part of the requirements for organic ruminant production certification.BAFS OIC-Director Mary Grace Mandigma said these COPs will serve as guides to ensure organic integrity.
