 | Davao chamber readies for Golden Crops confab |
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Balita.ph October 1, 2013 10:25 am DAVAO CITY, Sept. 30 — The Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) is finalizing preparations for an expo exhibit-conference that focuses on demand crops and at the same time help farmers improve their production. DCCCII president Architect Daniel T. Lim said this will be undertaken through the Davao Trade Expo 2013 which the Chamber has been spearheading yearly. Now on its 15th year, Lim said DATE 2013 will highlight five golden crops namely cacao, coconut, coffee, corn and cassava. It will be held on October 17 to 19 at SMX Davao Conventional Center, SM Lanang Premier in Davao City. "These golden crops are quite in demand nowadays not only in the local market but also internationally," he said. He said while the potentials are great, the current supply is inadequate to support. "We want to explore this opportunity by generating awareness so that productivity be enhanced in order to meet global requirements," he said. He said in partnership with various industry association, the Chamber keeps up with its commitment to support the development of agriculture sector of Mindanao. DATE 2013 is a venue that provides platform for discussion by focusing on the island's golden crops. It will also showcase available products and technology in the local market, matching of local market to the international market, address various socio-political issues affecting the agriculture sector, and showcase of best practices. The three-day activity will also have technical seminars, networking night, agri-eco tours and a culinary competition which will bring together global and national speakers and specialists to provide essential ideas, best practices, and updates on agricultural standards, emerging markets and build business relationships among agriculture players. Lim said Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala will present the "Golden Opportunities: Policies and Priority Programs in Cacao, Coconut, Coffee, Corn and Cassava." Other speakers include among others, Dr. Rene Rafael C. Espino of the College of Agriculture, UP Los Banos "Crop Diversification: The Key to Farming Success"; Nicholas K. Richard, Chief of Party, ACDI-VOCA "Global and Domestic Cacao Markets: Exploring Trends in Supply and Demand"; Pacita U. Juan, co-chairman/president, Philippine Coffee Board, Inc. "Overview on the Philippine Cofee Industry, Market and World Demand"; Milo delos Reyes, head of National Corn Program Secretariat, Department of Agriculture "White Corn Production: One Step towards Rice Sufficiency"; Emma S. Data, professor and designated head URC, Visayas State University "Philippine National Standard for Sweet Cassava"; Charles Avila, president, National Confederation of Coconut Farmers Organization "Development and Strengthening of Coconut Industry: Coconutization of Mindanao (Mandated Planning, Fertilization, Processing)". This year's theme is "Empowering the Farmer: Engage, Enable, Excite." (PNA) LAP/PTR/ASA/DIGNA D. BANZON/LDP |
