F2C2 Summit and Agri Fair: Showcasing Bicol’s Agricultural Clustering Success

To showcase the accomplishments of the Farm Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2) initiative in Bicol, the Department of Agriculture RFO 5 is organizing the “1st Regional Cluster Summit and Cacao and Coconut Fair” from December 1 to 3, 2023, at Robinsons Mall in Naga City.

In collaboration with the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI-RTC 5) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Camarines Sur, the event will bring together leaders of Farmers Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) involved in various commodities.

Over 250 FCAs, spanning rice, corn, vegetables, pili, pineapple, livestock, poultry, cacao, and coconut farmers, alongside Provincial/Municipal Agriculturists and commodity coordinators from across the Bicol Region, have been invited.

The summit will be graced by Director Shandy M. Hubilla, F2C2 Program Director from the DA Central Office, and Edgardo Navaroza, Chairman of Camarines Sur Cacao Council.

Beyond plenary sessions, the summit will feature 24 FCA exhibitors displaying diverse agricultural products, while 41 MSMEs invited by DTI Camarines Sur will showcase cacao, coconut, and other items.

The second day will include a morning session on Digital Marketing for F2C2 Clustered Farmers and Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) facilitated by ATI, followed by Market Matching and Investment Opportunities presented by the DA-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division in the afternoon.

Key market players and institutional buyers will provide insights into product demand, quality specifications, and standards for the region.

Farm clustering and consolidation, a pivotal strategy for the Department of Agriculture, aims to uplift the Philippine agriculture sector by empowering farming and fishing clusters nationwide through Cluster Development Plans, market facilitation, linkage, and capacity building.

The distribution of DA interventions prioritizes clustered and consolidated farmers, including inputs, tools, equipment, irrigation facilities, and post-harvest processing facilities.

Marilene Dimaculangan, F2C2 Regional Focal Person, reports that 26,335 hectares of agricultural areas in Bicol are already clustered under F2C2. Since 2020, 128 clusters have been established, benefiting 221 FCAs and 32,482 member-farmers, covering various crops and livestock in different provinces of the region.