The Department of Agriculture (DA) has partnered with three private entities to improve the implementation of urban and peri urban agriculture programs in the country.
These are the Urban Farmers Sustainability Concepts Organization Inc., Urban Greens and the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction.
DA Secretary William Dar said the agreements signed Wednesday will encourage sustainable crop production by establishing more community gardens while also pushing for safe, available, accessible and affordable foods to households and communities.
Under the partnership, DA and the Bureau of Plant Industry will provide beneficiaries with starter kits which include seeds of common vegetables, soil and polyethylene bags as well as technical assistance and urban agriculture modules.
DA will also utilize barangay, community, school, university and public office gardens as venues for hands-on training to showcase various urban agriculture techniques, apart from turning them into community gene banks to sustain production and planting materials.
Urban Farmers Sustainability Concepts Organization is also currently constructing a community farm in Bonifacio Global City to support poor communities near the development.
Urban Greens, which operates an indoor farm in Makati City, aims to expand the use of hydroponic systems to produce cleaner and fresher vegetables.
International Institute of Rural Reconstruction, a non-profit organization working in over 50 countries, aims to build economic opportunities for rural people by making them self-sufficient. – Jed Macapagal
