Trade fair showcases land reform produce

The creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of the Filipino farmers take center stage once more as the Department of Agrarian Reform’s Bureau of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Development in partnership with the Philippine Fruit and Vegetables Industries hold the 7th Agraryo Trade Fair at the SM Megamall’s Megatrade Hall from June 4 to 8.

The event which bears the theme “Celebrating Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries’ (ARBs) Growth and Success” is in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program.

Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman said the trade fair will showcase the best agribusinesses and micro-enterprises of the ARBs from all over the country.

Products on exhibit include include fresh and processed poultry and meat products, food ingredients and additives, beverages, vegetable products, delicacies, jams, candles, packaging materials, furniture, handicrafts, candles, novelty items and organic products.

“With the interventions provided by DAR, independent impact studies on the CARP showed the rise in the income and productivity of farmers especially in agrarian reform communities (ARCs). From mere recipients of government aid, a new breed of empowered, reliable, and progressive owner-cultivators has emerged,” he added.

Pangandaman said the trade fair will also be an excellent networking opportunity for wholesalers and manufacturers for sourcing of quality products at best prices.

The event will also feature cooking demonstrations, book and product launchings, competitions, photo exhibit of DAR programs and projects, and seminars on product development and market trends.

CARP is a social justice program of the Aquino administration to ensure equal access to wealth and basic services such as land, food, education and employment.

Since 1988, DAR has distributed 3.97 million hectares of farm lands to 2.3 million farmers and has formed some 2,000 ARCs, the core recipients of CARP’s investments and economic programs.

The trade fair is supported by San Miguel Corporation, Purefoods and SM Megamall, the Bureau of Agricultural Research, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Tourism, the Department Trade and Industry, Land Bank of the Philippines and the National Historical Institute.

Call 929-3605, 929-2582 or email Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. for more information.