Going organic is the "in" thing in the Philippines nowadays with the relatively new interest on wellness. The opportunity came for me to visit a real organic farm and I didn't think twice about going, working in the food industry has made me interested in farming and agriculture and being aware of where the food that we prepare comes from (from farm to table). We drove for about 4 hours (EDSA was really heavy with traffic at 9 in the morning) and arrived tired and hungry at the Costales Nature Farms , located in Majayjay, Laguna. I didn't mind the drive because the view going there was amazing with all the lush green vegetation that dotted the roads especially when it was already near the farm.
We were met by Ronald and Josie Costales who are the owners/farmers. I noticed how the place didn't smell like a farm (sort of animal poop) at all even with the pigs, chickens, ducks, goats and rabbits they had on the property. Ronald explained that this was because of the EM (effective microorganisms) which they use to inoculate their soil, clean the animal enclosures and also mixed in with the food that the animals they are raising are fed. They also use Vermiculture which is defined as management of worms, or raising them for waste reduction and fertilizer production.
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Everywhere I looked it was green and productive, they started out with 1000 square meters and is now about 6 hectares! They also supply salad greens to Italianni's, TGI Fridays and Cibo aside from their stall in Mercato Centrale, a weekend organic market in Makati.
So what else is in the farm? I will let these pictures do the talking (some of it anyway)...but let's just say, it was an eye-opener for me listening and walking through this integrated natural farm.
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Brgy. Gagalot, Majayjay, Laguna
Philippines
4 comments:
What a brilliant day out. I'm getting serious basil-envy, and those dishes look great. I'm also really impressed with the non-smelly pigs - that's some achievement!
Visiting from Kulinarya Cooking Club!
What a wonderful opportunity for you to visit an organic farm! I'm sure you had a great time!
What a wonderful post and what a great visit you had. The meat looks incredible and I love that it is all organic. Non-smelly pigs- a total surprise hearing that!
Great looking food, and amazing that it is all organic.You must have had a wonderful time there! Lucky you!
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