FARMERS can access government programs to develop new perspectives on new technology, practices, and opportunities.
Agri Trade Expo chairperson Cherrylin Casuga said farmers need to change their mindsets to adapt to innovations and avoid being left behind by the times.
“The technical seminars, conferences, and business matching, we want to bring it to everyone, especially the farmers, farm owners, [those who engage in] agribusiness, [and] stakeholders, that there is a solution what we are facing right now, especially in agribusiness and food trade,” Casuga said.
She mentioned the Go Negosyo Kapatid Angat Lahat Agri Program (Kalap) as one of the programs that can help farmers.
Kalap is a public-private initiative that aims to transform major agricultural commodities and MSMEs by following inclusive business models and having a conducive business environment in the Philippines through cooperatives.
“Our programs in agriculture, you can hear that there is clustering, cooperatives, or you would hear that people can only avail [the program] if they join cooperatives or associations, let’s comply with that,” Casuga said, “so that everyone can benefit, so that there is a bigger impact.”
She also stakeholders to be more inclusive and open themselves to collaborating with other countries that are way ahead of the technological curve.
Casuga mentioned the best practices and solutions, such as Thailand’s biocircular and green economy and the irrigation technology of other European countries that promote sustainability.
She added the Davao Agri Trade Expo 2023 will feature success stories shared by innovators from Quezon and Midsayap and the technology they use.
“We have to really take advantage of these opportunities and access to information for innovation and market access,” she said.
The 25th Davao Agri Trade Expo will be held on Sept. 28-30 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier. It will be showcasing local products, technologies, and solutions that will help the agriculture industry.
