DAVAO CITY — About 500 vegetable growers nationwide are to convene in Davao City on April 22 to 23 for the 1st National Vegetable Marketing Summit as spearheaded by the Vegetable Industry Council of Southern Mindanao (Vicsmin) Inc.
Event organizers are hoping that local government units will support this activity by sponsoring small farmers in their respective localities.
After holding a summit which focused on vegetable production, this time vegetable players found it necessary to also discuss marketing opportunities so that farmers would know how to efficiently earn money from their produce.
The summit aims to gather various issues and challenges that faced growers in the industry. From the discussions, farmers would also hear the side of the other players for them to explore existing opportunities.
The event also aims to put together action plans that would enhance existing supply chain, improved quality of produce, better post-harvesting handling, more efficient logistics, more transparent trading system, direct linkages between growers and buyers as well as opportunities for higher value-adding.
Government and private sector partnership is the desired set-up to better improve the status of the vegetable industry. From the summit, participants will have the chance to identify specific market niches and promote business networking.
Department of Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap is expected to highlight the opening ceremony. (PIA XI)
