We were lucky that in 1983, because of huge losses in planting sugar, we shifted to black pepper production. The support trees that we used were madre de cacao or kakawate. When we went into vermicomposting, we already had a very important raw material in the farm. According to the study made by Mrs. Villegas, of all the sources of nitrogen, madre de cacao gave the best results. Organic farming works with the realization that chemical fertilizers can hurt the environment and contaminate the water supply.

This concern for the water comes because the site for the Buro-Buro Vermi-Farm is actually a major water reservoir for Bacolod City. With all these concerns then, Buro-Buro Vermi Farm has been advocating the slogan: "Feed the soil first, and the soil will take care of itself."

Commencing its operations in October 1998, 18 hectares of land were slowly converted. This land now produces plenty of organically grown vegetables and fruits. This land also contains mini forests and many fruit trees, and part of it is also used for raising and keeping livestock and the famous worms of vermicomposting.

The farm prides itself in organic farming with a great selection of organically grown vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes, bell pepper, black pepper, and various herbs. Mini forests cover the area along with other fruit-bearing trees. Livestock is also raised in the area, and altogether, Buro-Buro Vermi Farm brings together an ecologically sound environment.

Through its various training services, the farm management conducts seminars serving clients from all over-poor farmers, gardeners, housewives, and enthusiasts.

The farm comes with complete guest house and a swimming pool for the seminar guests.

With the assistance and expertise of both Dr. Rafael D. Guerero III, and Lina Villegas, Mr.and Mrs. Henares were able to specialize in vermicomposting. Dr. Guerero is the Executive Director of Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology and he introduced the African Night Crawler specie of earthworm to the Philippines in the 80's.

The farm was created to promote sustainable agriculture in the country. It stresses the capacity to provide for oneself using the land without endangering it for future generations.

Farming in Negros has a lot of negative practices. Farmers keep using the kaingin and other slash-and burn methods to clear farmlands. These bad practices deplete the soil's productivity by eroding and consuming the soil's natural fertility. The Vermi Farm is reversing all that damage by putting all those lost nutrients back into the soil.

It conducts various training programs to educate the farmers, gardeners, environmentalists, and agriculturists on the need to safeguard and maintain an ecologically sound environment.

As one of the pioneers of vermiculture in Negros, Buro-Buro Vermi Farm is here to introduce the idea of vermicomposting as a low cost and low technology but scientifically proven method.