Agri trade fair to focus onsustainable agri development

MANILA, Philippines - The significance of convergence in attaining sustainable rural development takes center stage in the Agrikultura Trade Fair (ATF) set on June 24-26 at the SM Megamall Megatrade Hall in Mandaluyong City.

Organized by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), the Department of Agriculture (DA), and the Department Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the event features products, services and programs showcasing the joint efforts of the said agencies in achieving growth in the agrarian, agriculture and natural resources (AARN) sectors.

With the theme, “Agraryo, Agrikultura at Kalikasan: A Convergence Towards Sustainable Rural Development”, the event stresses the role of increasing productivity and job generation in countryside development. 

ATF 2011 chairperson Susana Evangelista-Leona said the fair will link farmers with valuable markets and enable government agencies and rural communities in putting products of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) into the mainstream.

Taking off from its successful predecessor, Agraryo Trade Fair, the ATF will tap ARBs, farmers’ community-based organizations, food producers, packaging materials suppliers, and government agencies and financing institutions involved in Agrarian Reform and Rural Development (ARRD).

“The ATF celebrates the participation of farmers, fisherolk and communities in rural development.  The event will also serve as a venue where government and the private sector could interact to better complement each other’s efforts,” she said. 

The fair will display fresh farm produce, organic and wellness products, processed food, delicacies, concoctions, condiments, bags, clothing, accessories, home furnishings and novelty items produced by ARBs and people’s organizations.

Leona added that the event will promote competitive products of farmers to encourage entrepreneurship, develop agricultural productivity and foster collaboration among stakeholders in rural development. 

The event will also facilitate investment for micro agribusinesses, learning exchange, sharing of best practices and success stories on government convergence projects.

Co-located events in the ATF 2011 are “Habi A Gawa”, a fashion show of farmer’s products, “Teatro Kalikasan” for environmental awareness, and the Agribusiness Investment Forum.

For details, call event organizer Cut Unlimited at 687-3292 or 467-3631 or email mailto:[email protected].