Caraga farmer beneficiaries generate P103-K sales at Agraryo Trade Fair 2024

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) recently concluded its Agraryo Trade Fair 2024, held from October 15-18 at the DAR Gymnasium in Diliman, Quezon City. All regional offices, from the Cordilleras to Caraga, participated in the event.

Organized by the Bureau of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Development (BARBD) of the Support Services Office (SSO), this DAR initiative celebrates the work of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) by showcasing their diverse products. These range from food and handicrafts to furniture and organic goods, embodying the theme: “Kababaihan sa Kanayunan: Kabalikat sa Repormang Agraryo para sa Maunlad at Matatag na Bagong Pilipinas.”

Coinciding its opening day with International Rural Women's Day, this fair provides an avenue for farmer beneficiaries to strengthen their

entrepreneurial and marketing skills, offering them valuable exposure to previously untapped markets.

Caraga agrarian reform beneficiaries’ organizations (ARBOs) generated a total of P103,000 in gross sales. This impressive figure resulted from the diverse products sold at the Caraga booth, including varieties of high-quality rice, artisanal handicrafts, peanut products, and locally-made coffee.

The Katipunan Agricultural Producers’ Cooperative, one of the few ARBOs chosen to represent the rich culture and products of Caraga farmers at the fair, was represented by Chairperson Gina Mojado. “We are truly grateful to have been chosen to participate in the Agraryo Trade Fair and promote our products,” she exclaimed. “This has been a big help for us, especially since we sometimes have trouble marketing our products. DAR has already done so much for us, and we hope this support continues so cooperatives like ours can prosper.”

Regional Director Atty. Merlita S. Capinpuyan stated, “We at DAR are fully committed to providing holistic support to farmers, and this trade fair is just one example of that commitment. We are anchored by DAR’s mandates, especially now under the leadership of Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III, who has been a strong leader for all of us.”

In addition to its sales success, Caraga also secured 2nd place for its booth design, which drew inspiration from