News—SVD Farm hosts gathering for farmers as part of Dep't of Agriculture 4A's vegetable stakeholder consultation

Tagaytay City—As part of the second day of the Department of Agriculture 4A's (DA-4A) Vegetable Stakeholders’ Consultation Cum Planning Workshop, representatives from 16 farmer organizations from CALABARZON gathered at the St. Peter Fishpond and Gazebo of the SVD Laudato Si' Farm last August 8, 2024.

The workshop was conducted for two days, starting on the previous day, by the DA 4A as part of its High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) initiative.

Accompanied by the DA 4A, representatives from various farming organizations in the region visited the SVD Farm. These organizations include SIPAG-Cavite, SIPAG-Laguna, SIPAG-Batangas, Magsama Kame Agricultura Cooperative, Palangue Agrarian Report Cooperative, Tres Cruses ARB Farmers Association Incorporated, AGAP Farmers Association of Pangil, Laguna, Liliw Upland Farmers Marketing Cooperative, Brgy. Abo Farmers Association, Batangas City Vegetable Growers Association, San Juan United Vegetable Growers Association, San Jose Farmers Association, Bonliw Farmers Association, Samahan ng Maggugulay ng Guinayangan, High Value Crops of Sariaya, Quezon, and Rizal Vegetable Industry Council.

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The orientation for the delegates was conducted by Mr. Juan Miguel Ala-Tolentino, the Corporate Communications Department Head of the SVD Farm. The orientation generated an engaging discussion among the attendees, during which the farmers shared their experiences, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of their work.

Mr. Tolentino discussed the SVD Farm's mission of ecological conversion and its alignment with the papal encyclical Laudato Si', as well as the unique role that farmers play in caring for creation. According to him, farmers have the opportunity to help people rekindle a deep connection with the land. Throughout the discussion, he emphasized the SVD Farm's vision of inspiring others to care for our common home, encouraging a return to sustainable and mindful agricultural practices.

At the end of the orientation, both the delegates and the SVD Farm expressed their appreciation to the Department of Agriculture for its unwavering support of the agricultural sector. The event not only provided valuable insights into the current state of vegetable farming in the region but also reinforced the importance of nurturing a love for the environment among those who work closest to the earth.

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Watch an interview with two of the attending farmers, Juliana and Loli, as they share their thoughts about the importance and potential of agriculture, through the link below:

Farmers visit the SVD Farm as part of Dep't of Agriculture 4A's vegetable stakeholders consultation

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For reservations and other information, including ways to support and connect with the SVD Farm, contact us through:

📞 0905-106-5499
📧 contact@svdlaudatosifarmfoundation.org