Surveys indicate that more and more people would prefer organically grown products. As preferences grow, the main question is: why don’t we see more organic produce in our markets? Why limit the organic produce to special markets events?
The presence of the organic agriculture act notwithstanding, it seems that the presence of such products in mainstream markets remains marginal. Thus, while the preference remains strong and growing, the consistent availability of such products is needed to drive sustained demand.
In a capitalist economy, the market is the final arbiter of what is economically acceptable in any society. This enables individual choice that creates the conditions to enable the exercise of choice, which is what pushes  consumers to make that decision to prefer to eat organic. If demand is there but supply is wanting, the demand may wane over time, as the interest that creates the preference dries up. On the other hand, a constant availability of such choices combined with the already high awareness and preference sustains demand. For example, having organic choices in the mainstream public and supermarkets encourages buyers to try such produce and do so more than once. These loyal buyers, in turn, can influence others to make the same buying decision. Going organic is a decision that people must make in a manner that is not as difficult. Not everybody is a passionate advocate and thus, they will always choose as long as it is affordable. Ultimately, for an industry to be established, a sustained, loyal demand must take root in the community. Choice plus availability creates  sustained demand. Thus, a sustained production base hey must be driven by market demand. Not having sustained availability, in turn, drives up prices. Â
Supply needed sustain demand
If a supply gap exists, then these can be plugged by encouraging higher levels of production. Often the concern is organic inputs and planting materials. Unlike mainstream agriculture with seed companies and fertilizer suppliers able to promote and incentivize the use of their products , organic methods don’t have an industry to back up the practice. Perhaps a network of demonstration farms  and seed banks that can sell organic inputs and means can be organized to create an ecosystem within which prospective producers can obtain the means and tools  to produce organic crops and food. Different Civil Society actors and schools can already network existing initiatives to push the availability of such products, inputs and practices.
Information gaps need plugging
Perhaps organic advocates can push direct to market means like social media, trade shows and focal sales outlets in our major markets like an organic produce section to push the consumer’s choice to buy these products, and producers and planters to choose to produce the same organic alternatives. Perhaps a Facebook exchange page is easy enough to establish as a focal point for consumers needing organic vegetable and producers of organic fertilizer, for instance in Davao. People will know who produces the inputs, and supplies the end products like vegetables and organic meats.
Creating an ecosystem of choice
Pushing organic agriculture is an advocacy that does not exist in a vacuum. All around is the choice for non-organic, cheaper vegetables that compete with the organic produce. Going organic requires a shift in buying behaviors of consumers to increase preference. A sustained development of a market with enough producers and consumers will eventually change the buying habits of more people, and convert more farms to supply this growing demand. Only then will the roots of this new organic market ecosystem grow and spread.
