The first four articles in this issue cover support services toward improving rice production. The fifth article is on alternative staples to rice while the last one is on operational policies to support organic vegetable production.

The article of Nguyen et al. examined the knowledge and perception of 128 irrigators’ association presidents in the Philippines using the water governance framework of Saleth and Dinar. Their study found dissimilar perceptions on irrigation water quality and quantity between the water managers of the National Irrigation System and Communal Irrigation System. Conducted in Zumalai Subdistrict, Covalima, Timor-Leste, Vicente and Dizon analyzed the contribution of the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) project toward food security. The study found that the participants joined the program to have access to government facilities and incentives, exchange experiences, share resources and labor, and work together. Meanwhile, the study conducted by Chanthavongsa, Dizon, Quimbo, and Amit found that adequate experience, material possessions, and positive attitude have contributed to native rice self-sufficiency in Khoune district, Xiengkhoung province, Lao PDR. The article of Ilar found that farmers participating in Farmer Field School (FFS), Tarlac province, Philippines have more knowledge about the PalayCheck System and have shared their knowledge as compared with non-participating farmers. He further concluded that FFS can be a good avenue for building the human and social capital of farmers.

Pabuayon, Pantoja, Manila, and Santos explored the potential of Saba banana, sweet potato, yam and cassava as alternative staples for the local communities in Quezon province, Philippines by interviewing farmers, traders, and consumers. The study concluded that Saba banana, sweet potato, and cassava were the top three possible substitutes for rice for breakfast and relatively less for other meals. Moreover, despite low production levels, a greater proportion of the total production was marketed reflecting the crops’ marketability and potential as additional income source.

Lastly, the article of Rola et al. analyzed the production, marketing, and consumption issues surrounding the organic vegetable industry to come up with operational policies to support the implementation of the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 (Republic Act No. 10068). Their study showed that the most critical constraint to organic production was the high cost of certification, lack of farmers’ training on the technology, and access to organic inputs. Thus, the study recommended alternative certification processes, capacity building for both farmers and program implementers, and more information, education, and communication (IEC) campaigns on the benefits of organically-grown products