NGO eyeing gov’t ties to carry out programs

CEBU, Philippines - A non-government organization has expressed that help from various government agencies would surely improve its programs in the agriculture sector and food production.

Dietmar Speckmaier, manager of OURFood program of AFOS Foundation, an NGO, said government support is always a pre-requisite to any development project especially for the farmers who are the community's food producers.

"(It's always important) building the structure and linking with government agencies," he told The FREEMAN in an interview.

"We would love to coordinate with the Department of Agriculture as well. If the DA representatives see what we're doing, we hope to have linkage (with them)," he said.

Currently, the group has partnered with Science and Technology Department in certain projects, he said.

AFOS Foundation for Entrepreneurial Development Cooperation, a Germany-based firm, has been training farmers in Cebu and Negros on organic farming system and good agricultural practices to meet food safety standards.

Speckmaier stated food processors and small farmers really need help in linking them to potential retailers who would sell their produce to individual consumers.

Farmers, for their part, should also upgrade farming strategies to improve agricultural production and serve niche export markets.

The manager noted farmers should cultivate high value vegetable products so these can be sold at wet sections of some big supermarkets which have huge markets for vegetables and fruits as well.

The foundation's supported farmers (who are around 500) in Cebu and Negros have been supplying vegetables to some Metro supermarkets and organic produce retailers.

He added the partnership with local chambers and associations in the region has allowed the foundation to improve the income situation of small entrepreneurs especially in the agricultural sector. (FREEMAN)