THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said it is entering into an urban agriculture partnerships with TriMerA Integrated Farm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. unit SM Super Malls, Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. and Pilmico Foods Corp.
On Jan. 24, Secretary William D. Dar signed the memorandum of agreement with the four companies, the DA said in a statement. The department said the urban farms are intended to bolster food security.
TriMerA farm, located in Nueva Ecija, will develop rabbit farms for the program and offer training for participants. DA offices like the Bureau of Plant Industry, the Bureau of Animal Industry, and the National Livestock Program will provide starter kits, other materials and education support in coordination with the Agricultural Training Institute.
SM Supermalls, under a separate agreement, will establish food gardens, which are being positioned as a source of “safe, accessible, and affordable food to households and communities in urban areas,” the DA said.
The gardens will also generate income for project participants, who will undergo training and capacity enhancement from the DA.
Aboitiz Foundation and Pilmico will also promote gardens in urban areas and other sites on the urban periphery, as well as launch livelihood programs. They will supply starter kits to participants.
Also being contemplated are projects for egg and swine production, as well as aquaponic farming, with similar support from the companies. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson
