Philippine island becomes asia pacific hub for sustainable agriculture after hosting historic slow food conference

Negros Island in the Philippines has emerged as a leading center for sustainable agriculture in the Asia Pacific region, following its successful hosting of Slow Food’s first-ever regional conference in November 2024. The historic gathering in Bacolod City brought together farmers, chefs, food artisans, and policymakers from across the region to discuss agroecology, biodiversity, and climate-resilient food systems.

At the heart of this transformation is Ramon “Chin-Chin” Uy Jr., a sustainable-food entrepreneur who has been named Slow Food councilor for Southeast Asia. For nearly two decades, Uy has worked tirelessly with organic farmers and provincial government officials to realize his vision of Negros as an “organic island” – a sustainable food hub where communities can access healthy, locally grown produce at fair prices without relying on environmentally harmful chemical fertilizers.

The results have been remarkable. Today, an estimated 20,000 hectares of organic farmland span across Negros, supporting approximately 20,000 small-scale farmers and farming households. Bacolod City serves as the crucial urban hub connecting producers with markets and institutions, creating a thriving local food economy.

Uy’s journey began in 2005 when he and his wife started a composting business, converting organic waste into fertilizer. When global oil prices spiked and exposed the vulnerability of chemical-dependent agriculture, Uy established an organic farm in 2006 to demonstrate the viability of sustainable farming practices. His work has since transformed Negros into a model for climate-resilient agriculture that other regions across Asia Pacific are now looking to replicate.