Close to 50 exhibitors are showcasing organic products and sustainable finds in the 18th Negros Island Organic Farmers’ Festival (NIOFF) at Capitol grounds here from Nov. 19 to 23.

Held in line with the Organic Agriculture Month, the almost annual event, organized by the Negros Occidental provincial government, is being held this year alongside the inaugural Terra Madre Asia and Pacific, a five-day slow food event that celebrates good, clean and fair food through immersive exhibits, conversations, tastings and activations.

In his message, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said Negros Occidental takes pride in its food, which is a celebrated reflection of the Negrense culture and expression of its people.

Lacson said through these events, Negrense farmers and fisherfolk have the opportunity to show the world the richness of the land, sea, and the quality of farm products in Negros.

“It is an intentional decision on our part to hold this festival alongside Terra Madre Asia and Pacific. This alignment will create synergy, enabling our Terra Madre chefs from across Asia and the Pacific to source directly from local farmers and showcase the richness of our island’s produce to delegates from the Philippines and around the world,” he added.

This year’s edition of NIOFF is themed “Organic Revolution: Local Movement, Global Impact.”

Among those with display booths are the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Provincial Veterinary Office and Provincial Environment Management Office.

Other exhibitors are the cities of Bacolod, Kabankalan, Sagay, Victorias, Silay City, La Carlota, San Carlos, Cadiz, Himamaylan and Escalante, as well as the municipalities of Murcia, Don Salvador Benedicto, Pontevedra, E.B. Magalona and Valladolid.

Participating government agencies include the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project, Philippine Rice Research Institute, Department of Agrarian Reform and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, along with non-government organizations and private businesses. (PNA)