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MP farmers form group vs illegal importation

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Farmers here formed a federation of farmers’ groups to address their concerns like globalizations which is wreaking havoc on the vegetable industry.

“It is high time that our farmer’s organization be federated so we can strongly say no to illegal importation of vegetables,” they said in a statement.

Around 200 farmers’ groups joined the federation.

With this, members said they can now work with other organizations in the region in the fight against widespread illegal importation of agricultural products that has crippled the vegetable industry.

During the meeting, farmers said the previous years, they experienced a lot of losses due to entry of cheap carrots, onions, fruits and meat products from foreign countries like China.

They said imported products are beautifully packed, fresh and very cheap that took the place of local products.

The federation identified seven priority commodities focusing on production and promotion that include livestock, fishery, grains, coffee, fruits, vegetables, mushroom and organic fertilizer production.

The organization to link with local government and national governments, the private sector and non-government organizations like market sector that serves as marketing arm for agricultural products in the province.

Elected officers were: president- Cornelio Matias (Bauko), overall vice president and Fr. Prenzel Piluden (Paracelis), vice president for different commodities.

Officers for concerns on products were Thomas Sadcopen, Bontoc; Angela Yocogan, Sagada; Teresita Basilan; Ruel Malinias, Bauko; Donald Alubia, Barlig; Daniel Sabling, Tadian.
Secretary was Hazel Fagyan while sub secretaries are all municipal agriculturists. Treasurer was Ashley Lamaton, Barlig, Nora Cerilo, of Besao as auditor and Roger Fracanao of Sadanga as auditor. -- By Berlin McIntosh