DA-WV leads agri-fair and educational sessions for Negrenses

The Department of Agriculture (DA) Western Visayas through its Agricultural Program Coordinating Office (APCO) in Negros Occidental, facilitated the Negros Farmers Fair at the Robinsons Mall Bacolod on October 14, 2024.

The event brought together over 100 vibrant mix of participants, from agri-students of the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R), local farmers, fishers, and curious mall-goers. This week-long event showcased locally sourced agricultural produce, along with DA institutional booths which provided free reading materials, vermicast, mushroom fruiting bags in celebration of Negros’ rich agricultural heritage and its potential for growth in sustainable urban farming.

Participants attending the fair experienced interactive lectures and hands-on demonstrations aimed at promoting urban vegetable gardening and sustainable farming practices.

“The focus was on encouraging both the youth and local communities to engage in agricultural initiatives that support food security and local economy,” says Ric Jason Almaida of NUPAP.

Following the educational, techno-cliniquing , and demo sessions, participants were awarded certificates in accordance to their cooperation. To eventually apply what they have learned, they were given with vegetable seeds and information,education, and communication materials (IEC) on urban vegetable gardening, providing them the tools and knowledge to apply what they learned in their own urban garden spaces.

The event-proper reflected the enthusiastic involvement of the community – from the excitement of agri-students eager to deepen their understanding of agriculture, to farmers and fishers sharing their expertise, and mall-goers showing a keen interest in the possibilities of urban farming.

Aligned with Bacolod’s goals of supporting local food systems and enhancing agricultural education, DA-WV promises to cultivate a stronger, more self-sufficient as well as a prosperous community. The event served as a platform for learning and for fostering a deeper connection between urban dwellers and the agricultural roots of Negros.(text by: VQuimpo/ DA-RAFIS 6/Photos by: JBGigato/DA-Negros Occidental Satellite Office)