Senator pushes for regional agri hubs for farmers, investors
AN INFORMATION hub where farmers can get updates on agriculture-related issues and developments as well as link with private investors should be set up in each region, a senator said in an online forum on Monday.
“We need one strategic platform, one place that will discuss things like land reform, rice tariffication, agricultural modernization, and fisheries modernization so that our farmers and private sector can understand them,” Senator Richard J. Gordon said in Filipino at the AGRI 2022 forum.
Mr. Gordon, who is running for reelection in May, said the center could also have space for local harvests and serve as an agricultural extension facility where farmers can access advisory services.
“The government should pave the way for the private sector to come into agriculture because the people are looking forward to the farmers’ liberation from poverty,” he said.
He said the farm sector would benefit from direct investments and partnerships with manufacturers, research and development experts, and shipping firms, among others.
Locating the hubs per region would also facilitate a more active participation from the local governments, he added. — Jaspearl Emerald G. Tan
