In November 2020, the program, Establishing the Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation towards Greater Inclusive Agri–Business Development in the Country, commonly called F2C2 and otherwise known as “Bayan–Agri” Farm Clustering, was launched by the Department of Agriculture.
F2C2 is incorporated in Administrative Order No. 27 aimed at encouraging “horizontal and vertical integration, consolidation, and expansion of agri–fishery groups’ functions, and other services through the organization of cooperatives, farmers and fisherfolk associations, corporations, nucleus estates, and consolidated farms, and to enable these entities to benefit from economies of scale, stronger bargaining power, more focus on R&D, and eventually uplift their living condition.”
DA–Regional Field Office 8 identified at least two (2) communities in every province for piloting F2C2 projects at the district or municipal level. In the municipality of Javier, Leyte, two (2) clusters were initially identified, namely: jackfruit farmer–growers (JAJAGROA) and rice farmers (JARICOFA and CARIFA). Said farmers’ associations were oriented and trained on the program. A total of 120 farmer–beneficiaries from the three (3) farmers’ associations was profiled. The orientation–training involved Simple Bookkeeping and Recording, Orientation on Loan Availment, and Agro–Enterprise.
One of the highlights of said activity was the training on agro–enterprise, wherein participants were able to learn the idea of solving their problem regarding marketing of their products. After the training, farmers became optimistic that this program can help recover from their losses during the past harvest season.
After the activity, one of the farmers–participants said that it opened their mind to new opportunities, and reminded them that they can earn better income in forthcoming harvests. “Thank you very much to the Department of Agriculture and program implementors. This is an early Christmas gift to us,” the participant quipped.### (Allan Brit, Provincial Coordinator, PPMSO–Leyte)
