Farm clustering and consolidation’s role in agri dev’t highlighted in 2nd F2C2 Summit

The importance of farm clustering and consolidation in enhancing the competitiveness and resilience of the agricultural sector while supporting agricultural development was highlighted in the recently concluded Department of Agriculture-Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (DA-F2C2) second national cluster summit held at the Costa Palawan Resort, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan from May 28 to 29, 2024.

With the theme “Mula sa Kanya-Kanya, Patungo sa Sama-Sama,” the activity aims to further integrate, consolidate, and mainstream clustering and consolidation into the Department of Agriculture Operating Units, Banner Programs, and Regional Field Offices, agriculture and fisheries stakeholders, Local Government Units, and farmers and fisherfolk nationwide.

DA Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Atty. Alvin John Balagbag officiated the opening of the two-day summit, which was attended by more than 700 delegates nationwide. He was joined by DA-F2C2 National Program Director Engr. Ricardo Oñate and DA-MIMAROPA officials including Regional Technical Director for Operations Vener Dilig, and Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Celso Olida, Ph.D.

“F2C2 is an important program of the Department of Agriculture; it allows us to leverage on the economies of scale and market linkage. There is no other way than to go on clustering. Walang ibang paraan para tayo makapagproduce ng mas maraming agricultural products kung hindi tayo magkakaisa-isa,” he said.

Meanwhile, DA-MIMAROPA Regional Director Atty. Christopher Bañas vowed the Department’s full support for continuously implementing the program for a more inclusive development.

“Being inspired by the impact brought by clustering and consolidation, we in the Department of Agriculture promise you to implement program that supports each other strengths and experiences in contributing to inclusive agricultural development,” he stressed.

The first day of the summit was packed with a series of lectures aimed at assessing the F2C2 implementation and exploring partnerships and opportunities with the private sector and institutional partners. These include presentations from Farm Konekt Agri-Tech Supply Chain