USAID to extend GEM program

MANILA, Philippines - The United States will continue providing assistance to Mindanao food processors in a bid to increase their product competitiveness in both domestic and export markets at the same time penetrate more international markets.

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) intends to extend its five-year Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) program that ends this December 2012. It is implemented in partnership with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).

“We understand that the American government is likely to continue assistance to high-value crops and aquaculture in Western Mindanao,” USAID’s GEM program chief of party Ross Wherry said in an interview at the sidelines of the recent Philippine Food Expo.

Wherry said eastern Mindanao is now very well developed for fruits, vegetables and aquaculture products.

The GEM program works with business support organizations, industry federations and grower associations to increase domestic out-shipments and exports of selected high-value Mindanao agricultural commodities.

Wherry said the program has been assisting Mindanao food processing firms to acquire the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) certification. This is in line with the program’s goal of expanding the exports of selected high-value commodities grown by small-holder producers in the region. – Philexport News and Features