Above, under & beyond the rainbow: Let Us Go ORGREENICS!

What happens when a man dreams of something; get’s to meet someone with the same dream and both agreed to action on it?

Some would say destiny. Some would say it was meant to be. I would say, it is dream come true; such is the case of the L.A.P.I. (Luntiang Agri-Business Pilipinas Inc.) Orgreenics Greenhouse at Mia’s Garden in Bulacan.

Situated in Plaridel Bulacan, way off the main road, this organic greenhouse is the first greenhouse here in the Philippines to has an atmospheric water system! Yes, you read it right - Atmospheric water system. What is atmospheric water system? It is a process where in which water is pulled out from the air or atmosphere. It is a system introduced to L.A.P.I. by EcoLEADERS, located West Avenue in Quezon City, a prime company set to introduce technology here in the Philippines that will help maintain the eco-system of the planet; one step at a time.

Last July 26, 2014, I personally saw how the whole atmospheric system works and even how it was used in the said greenhouse. The result: an endeavor worth watching in the years to come.

The inauguration of this controlled environment showed what benefit it can give to planters and consumers alike. The whole area was set to maximize what present space it has at the present. Rows of plant boxes both in vertical and horizontal set up, equipped with special lights that helps in the night development of the plants. A water system that drips water in regular intervals and a mist system that regulates the atmosphere of the place. The water and mist system are the resulting product of the atmospheric water system that was provided by EcoLEADERS.

Since the water system is in a dripping set-up, the nutrient it contains is controlled - exact amount per day, hi-alkaline content, no chemical added, pure gift of nature. With the set-up made, planters are assured that the natural soil nutrient is not lost with water rushing due to traditional irrigation. The only plant directly planted out of a plant box are the grapes. Even it is directly planted, the water system is still controlled and based on the span of the leaves, I would say it is growing pretty well.

The green leafy vegetable group is quite growing well. With harvesting done every couple of weeks to ensure the right consistency and growth of produce being sold in the market, consumers are then given the opportunity to have healthy and safe food for their family and love ones.

As mentioned above, they have a special LED light system that is switched on at night to help the plant develop as if it has sunlight 24/7. Will it force the plant to grow faster? It may, but it helps the plant reach its full potential. The mist system helps in controlling the atmospheric temperature of the place. For plants such as strawberries, it needs a cold place and the mist system helps them achieve that needed temperature to help it grow and bear big fruits.

The LED lighting system

As of the moment the whole farm is still operating on generators and electrical power coming from the local source. Based on the talk given that day by Engr. Leonardo P., owner of Mia's Garden and leader of the L.A.P.I. group, they are also planning to set up windmills that will serve as electrical power source for the whole plantation, thus making the whole set-up nature dependent and not dependent on corporate sourcing groups. They are also planning to expand the present size of the farm and have different produce offerings. As of the moment, all the plants that they have are breeds that was carefully chosen and studied for the controlled environment set-up that they have. I am personally looking forward to a flower farm someday. I did mention to Mylo, son and member of L.A.P.I., that having roses that are organic in nature has a lot of market opportunities, not only as a decorative item but also as an ingredient for some dishes.

The Orgreenics Team with EcoLeaders

Food was served that time and we were all given the chance to try and enjoy the green produce of the farm. It was crunchy, juicy and a sweeter taste when compared with other green produce in the market. This is organic!

Products from nearby farms were also showcased that day. Vinegar from palm fruits (also known as sasa), brown rice, fermented fish, honey and even pili goods (salted and sweetened variations). The daughter of the owner also showcased her item - Happiness in A Jar, a baked good in a jar. A fine innovation on a hot item in the market that can answer the questions of storage when one cannot finish a cupcake one is eating. Try it and enjoy her baked creations. Since it is in a jar, it is eco-friendly.

Happiness in A Jar owner

Their promise: healthy organic and affordable food for every one. Since it is nature dependent, it would be lower in cost thus making their produce more affordable to all family.

This is one farm that I would like to visit again (something to add to my farm bucket list). I want to see how they harvest their produce and see all the plants in their prime condition before it gets into the table. I want to see it in full bloom.

Photos:

(All pictures used in this article was personally taken by me during the inauguration event)

Mia's Garden: