What to eye for in a farm estate

March 11, 2011 20:15:00
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Manila, Philippines—For hobbyists, serious farmers and retirees who need to shake off that sedentary lifestyle, what should be their guide in shopping for farm lots, now that these are sprouting like mushrooms all over the land?

Let’s ask the experts.

“Farm estates successfully integrate man-made, low-density development with the natural features of the site,” said Amado de Jesus, founding chair of the Philippines Green Architecture Movement. He added, “These are much more sensitive than regular land developments like subdivisions. Waterways, old growth forests, including indigenous wildlife must be respected and preserved while providing modern facilities.”

For agri-idealists, all farm practices should be ecologically sound. Bangon Kalikasan president Joey Papa said the basic things to ask and do when on the lookout for farm lots would be:

1) Does the development espouse organic farming?
2) Is rain harvesting done to avoid the overconsumption of water, especially for the farm?
3) Are there alternative sources of energy (such as the sun) for the farms and houses?
4) Is there an Estate Ecology Center or a similar establishment to manage solid waste?
5) Did the developer uproot or cut existing trees (a no-no) instead of planting additional ones?

Green Architecture Advocacy Philippines Chair Ega Reformado advised that one should take into consideration:
1) the development’s accessibility;
 2) sewer system and drainage;
3) the type of fertilizer to be supplied (must be nontoxic, natural);
4) the power supply;
5) the sustainability of the development;
6) use of local materials and labor;
7) design of farm houses (should be “green”);
8) the community interaction; and,
9) recycling practices.

Inquirer Property, in 2010, cited 12 things to look for in a farm estate.

These are:
1) Fertile and tillable soil, preferably the clay loam to loamy soil type;
2) Available water (river, irrigation system, shallow or deep wells or rainwater ponds);
3) Accessibility, via a farm-to-market road;
4) Available power or electricity source;
5) Peaceful, environment-conscious community;
6) Land that is legally titled, and properly classified to become agricultural estate, and not those with agrarian disputes.
7) Sustainable if not fully organic farming technologies and best practices in organic inputs and materials production as well as the whole gamut of the value chain from preproduction to production up to postharvest, processing, handling and distribution and/or sales of produce;
8) Stress-free farm environment;
9) Avoid typhoon-prone areas where flooding is likely to occur;
10) Location. Metro Manila-based professionals can choose farm estates near the National Capital Region, such as Batangas, Rizal, Laguna or neighboring northern provinces of Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Bataan and Pangasinan, including Zambales and Nueva Ecija;
11) Know if a particular area is prone to soil runoff;
12) Farm estates should be in an area with a strong civil society—strong enough to oppose irresponsible land developers. Tessa Salazar