My job as a travel writer exposes me to organic farming. It still fascinates and impresses me on how much labor it demands among those who push for this healthier way of providing food.
Yesterday, Bloggers of Iloilo Group (BIG) had a tour in Orchard Valley, Inc. , the only certified organic farm in Iloilo located in the municipality of Pavia, a few minutes from the city center of Iloilo.
Spanning more than 22 hectares, Orchard Valley supplies to Iloilo’s top restaurants like Bauhinia, Mojave, Nothing But Desserts among others as well as to Days Hotel Iloilo and Iloilo Supermart.
Experience is one of the best perks of being a travel writer. Witnessing for the first time how milk is pumped from mommy cow producing Orchard Valley’s organic cow’s milk.
Look how big these creatures are! Sorry, I am used to the “local” species. Like most organic animals here from chicken to goats, they are housed in a free-range environment.
Definitely an Ilonggo goat. Very malambing (sweet). 🙂 Marcos of www.ambot-ah.com petting the animal. To join Marcos’ DIY tours, click here.
A quick look at their nursery. Italian basil.
Iceberg lettuce
Vermiculture, a must in every organic farm
Native chillies. Tiny but mighty.
Honey, are you there?
Orchard Valley also opens for the public on rare occasions. Students of PAREF Ridgefield School of Iloilo also had their field trip here.
We ended up our tour in Orchard Valley with a light snack of sweet potato, cassava, kamunsil and yes, fresh buko. Jan Rae beating the heat with every sip. Read his blog on Ilonggo lifestyle here.
Thank you Orchard Valley!
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