Less than a year since the signing of the enhanced National Convergence Initiative (NCIP), the departments of Agriculture, Agrarian Reform, and Environment and Natural Resources launched today the 1st Agrikultura Trade Fair (ATF) on June 24-26, 2011 at SM Megatrade Halls 2 and 3 in Mandaluyong.
At the Communication and News Exchange (CNEX) forum at the PIA, Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes said the trade fair is meant to highlight the agricultural produce of the farmers, fisher folk, Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries and upland dwellers. This is also the first time three national government agencies – the DAR, the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – come together to showcase the very best in the agricultural sector.
He added that the fair aims to foster income for Filipino farmers, and generate jobs in the rural areas. This is a synchronized effort to link farmers with the market, and improve their products by creating strategic marketing programs.
During the three-day affair, rural produce that will be exhibited and sold are furnitures, processed food, fresh produce, fashion materials, and organic products from the different regions of the country. Also, activities to improve the farmers’ products, investments, and linkages will be conducted through fora, dialogue sessions,and lectures.
The enhanced NCI traces its roots from the first NCI in 1999, which was developed to synergize the three agencies by pooling in and maximizing their resources in a framework of defined and common intervention strategy. The new NCI by the Aquino government is directed to initiate sustainable development in the rural areas, focusing on sustaining agribusiness investment engagements.
As part of its guiding principles, the DA-DAR-DENR convergence initiative will complement strategy between and among the three rural development agencies, and work also with other national line agencies, donor agencies, and international and local non-government offices (NGOs). This convergence shall be mainstreamed in all programs, projects, and activities of the national government agencies and concerned local government units (LGUs). (PIA)
