AgriLink '11 to highlight farm integration, sustainable agri

Manila, Philippines - Foundation for Resource Linkage and Development (FRLD) president Antonio V. Roces said “one way of improving the current agricultural approach is for farmers and stakeholders to work together in enhanced, integrated production systems which integrates soil quality enhancement, reduction of contamination and establishes stronger farming communities with better revenues. The challenge for the government, the private sector and our farmers is to coordinate and complement with each other to adopt proven technologies and management systems in the development of these integrated farming systems.”

On Oct. 6 to 8, FRLD which is now on its 18th year will be organizing the country’s largest and most influential trade fair on agriculture, aquaculture and food—AgriLink, AquaLink and FoodLink. The event’s themed “Integration: Key to Sustainable Agriculture”. It seeks to promote the holistic integration concept and approach towards a more productive, efficient and self-sustaining Philippine agribusiness.

Roces added: “This year’s AgriLink seeks to help in the process of effectively linking our farmers to the market and maximize their benefits from the value chain. Furthermore, the event aims to help both private and public sectors be better aware of each other’s strategic decisions and programs. The event likewise seeks to continue with its track record of developing key linkages with industry partners and stakeholders.”

Roces noted the success among practitioners of organic agriculture which integration exemplifies: “Their system combines production sub-systems to obtain a full output that satisfies the needs of its target market. Organic agriculture effectively uses farm by-products, increase long-term productivity, provides healthier food, diversifies farm community through enhanced ecological balance and soil conservation, and utilizes labor more efficiently. 

With many international companies participating, the three-day event will include seminars, live animal and plant display and other special activities that will promote and enhance the potential of these underdeveloped markets to sustain our continuous agricultural growth.

The event, which will be held at the World Trade Center, will highlight the most up-to-date and ground-breaking inputs, technologies and alliances, which can enhance the profitability of the interdependent industries of agriculture, aquaculture and food while also emphasizing sustainability and productivity. For inquiries and/or booth reservations, contact the FRLD through 8384549, 8384852, fax 8384573 or email [email protected].