By Kenneth Marcos 
On a quiet evening, many farmers scroll through online shopping apps looking for affordable farm inputs. A few clicks promise “organic” soil boosters that claim to improve harvests fast. But agriculture officials warn that some of these products may do more harm than good.
The Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (DA-BAFS) has issued a public advisory warning sellers and buyers about uncertified and unregistered soil amendment products being sold online, particularly on Shopee Philippines. These products claim to be organic but are not certified by any DA-BAFS-accredited Organic Certifying Body (OCB) and are not registered with DA-BAFS.
According to the bureau, products that are not certified organic cannot guarantee quality, safety, or effectiveness. Their use may damage the integrity of organic farms and could pose health risks to consumers. DA-BAFS strongly advised the public not to purchase or use these uncertified and unregistered soil amendment products.
Soil amendments are materials added to soil to improve its condition, such as fertility, structure, and water retention. In organic farming, only approved and certified inputs are allowed. Using uncertified products can lead to contamination and may cause farmers to lose their organic certification, which affects market access and income.
DA-BAFS stressed that organic claims must be verified. Only products certified by DA-BAFS-accredited OCBs and officially registered with the bureau are considered legitimate. Certification ensures that products meet national organic standards and are safe for farms, consumers, and the environment.
The bureau urged farmers, gardeners, and online buyers to always check product registration before purchasing. DA-BAFS maintains updated lists of registered organic soil amendment products and registered producers. These lists can be accessed through official DA-BAFS channels and QR codes shared in the advisory.
Online sellers were also reminded to comply with regulations. Selling products with false organic claims misleads consumers and undermines efforts to build a trustworthy organic sector. Authorities warned that violations may lead to penalties under existing agriculture and consumer protection laws.
The advisory comes as online shopping for farm inputs continues to grow, especially among small farmers seeking convenience and lower prices. While e-commerce can help widen access to supplies, DA-BAFS said vigilance is needed to prevent the spread of fake or unsafe products.
Organic agriculture plays a growing role in food safety and sustainability. Certified organic inputs help protect soil health, reduce chemical exposure, and support long-term productivity. Ensuring that only approved products are used safeguards both farmers’ livelihoods and consumers’ health.
For verification and guidance, the public may visit the DA-BAFS website and official advisories. Farmers and buyers with questions can contact the Organic Agriculture Division through the provided phone numbers and email addresses listed in the advisory.
DA-BAFS called on the public to report suspicious products and to share the advisory with fellow farmers and consumers. Staying informed and choosing certified inputs are key steps toward safer food, healthier farms, and a stronger organic industry.
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