Amendment to Rules 15.1 and 17.1 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 10068 (The Organic Agriculture Act of 2010)

February 19, 2013

DA ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 008-13

SUBJECT : Amendment to Rules 15.1 and 17.1 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act (RA) 10068 Otherwise Known as "The Organic Agriculture Act of 2010"

SECTION 1. Introduction. — Pursuant to Section 27 of Republic Act (RA) 10068, otherwise known as the "Organic Agriculture Act of 2010" the following revisions to the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA 10068 are hereby prescribed by the National Organic Agriculture Board (NOAB) to carry out the provisions of said Act.

SECTION 2. Amendment to Rule 15.1. — Rule 15.1 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA 10068 which reads:

Rule 15.1.There shall be a transition period of two (2) years for the mandatory implementation of the 3rd Party certification. During the transition period, the 1st Party and 2nd Party, the community based and participatory guarantee systems side by side with 3rd Party Certification shall be recognized. Thereafter, the provisions of the OAA, particularly Section 17 thereof, as well as these rules, shall be in full force and effect.

is hereby amended to read:

Rule 15.1.There is hereby prescribed a period of voluntary compliance to Third Party certification, such period shall end on 01 April 2016. During this period, the BAFPS shall ensure that all regulations and institutional modifications necessary for the implementation of this provision shall be put in place. Likewise, the 1st Party and 2nd Party, the community based and participatory guarantee systems side by side with 3rd Party Certification shall be recognized during this period. Thereafter, the provisions of the OAA, particularly Section 17 thereof, as well as these rules, shall be in full force and effect.

SECTION 2. *Amendment to Rule 17.1. — Rule 17.1. of the same IRR which reads:

Rule 17.1.Consistent with Rule 15.1 and its guidelines, rules, and procedures, there shall be a transition period of two years for this provision to be fully implemented. During this period, labeling of organic products shall be based on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Party Certifications.

is hereby amended to read as follows:

Rule 17.1.Consistent with Rule 15.1 and its guidelines, rules, and procedures, there shall be a period of voluntary compliance to Section 17 of this Act, such period shall end on 01 April 2016. During this period, labeling of organic products shall be based on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Party Certifications. DcCIAa

SECTION 3. Repealing Clause. — Any issuance, executive order, administrative order, proclamation, charter, rule or regulation and/or parts thereof contrary to or inconsistent with the foregoing provisions is hereby repealed, modified or amended accordingly.

SECTION 4. Separability Clause. — In the event any of the foregoing provisions is declared void or unenforceable by final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction, the other provisions unaffected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 5. Effectivity. — This Order shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved this8thday of March 2013.

(SGD.) PROCESO J. ALCALASecretaryChairman, National Organic Agriculture Board