TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines- Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 02 (DA-RFO 02) Regional Technical Director Rose Mary Aquino said the agency is “ready” to share to local processors their technology for processing developed products.
In a press release on Facebook, Aquino clarified in a phone patch radio interview on DWDA that DA is not competing with private food processors for product development and marketing of various agricultural products.
Aquino said their Agribusiness Development Centers or stores only aim to promote their technology and product to attract interested product manufacturers and distributors.
Developed products that have already attracted market include corn-processed products such as gourmix, café bagga, maize silky sip, and cracknik, Aquino said. The products can now be utilized by interested associations, cooperatives, and local government units, she added.
DA-RFO 02, Aquino said, is ready to work with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to help farmers become more productive through value-adding activities.
DA with said agencies and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce will publicly present their developed products and other nutritious food products to partner-processors in the Makang Festival.
Aside from this, Aquino said DA plans to initiate follow-up activities and programs for processors, such as organizing a council, product exhibition, and other food festivals.
She assured DA will continue to conduct activities on processing agricultural products through the agency’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), Research Division, Integrated Laboratory Division, Regulatory Division, Banner Programs, and Research Centers/Experiment Stations.
Earlier, DA conducted a seminar on good manufacturing practices and product packaging and labeling for local processors and entrepreneurs in the region. Northernforum.net
