Food sector to hold workshop tomorrow

Representatives from the different stakeholders of the food sector will convene tomorrow for the Visayas-wide workshop to address pressing issues.

In a Media Advisory sent by Ricardo Oblena, officer in charge of the Department of Agriculture said the Visayas-wide consultative workshop tomorrow will discuss issues affecting food production and marketing.

It will also include concerns in food production in adjusting to the imminent change in climate as well as the rising demand for food products that are feasible sources of biofuel.

“Food security is one of the most crucial issues and concerns that the country should address,” Oblena said.

The area wide consultations, which are done simultaneously with other regions in the country is in preparation for the National Food Summit Plenary, which will be done in Manila on April 4.

Oblena said its aim is to help identify and draw strategic interventions, action plans and policies to address concerns on effects of growing population, rising incidence of hunger, malnutrition, insufficient food production as well as escalating food prices.

Agriculture undersecretaries Bernie Fondevilla and Siegfred Serrano will be in town to attend the workshop at the Mactan Crown Regency Suites in Lapu-Lapu City.

Here the bigger picture on food security issues and concerns will be tackled.

Prior to the Food Summit, Oblena said there will also be Donor’s Forum that will gather representatives of donor countries and agencies, heads of multi-lateral agencies and corporations, heads of development agencies, heads of national government agencies and local government executives attending.

The food sector is seen by the government as one of the most to be affected with the issue on climate change due to unpredictable weather conditions and water level rise, essential factors in food production and distribution.  — Ferliza C. Contratista/BRP