VEGETABLE industry players in the country are set to discuss safety issues on pesticide and agro-chemical use in their farming method even as they hope to learn new technologies to increase farm productivity in a bid to alleviate poverty in the countryside.

These were the agenda lined-up for the 7th National Vegetable Congress slated in General Santos City on July 14-16, where at least 30 seed, pesticide and agro-chemical companies are expected to attend.

Cebu inmates' tribute to Michael Jackson
For minute updates follow Sun.Star on Twitter

"We are all set for this event that aims to improve the lot of vegetable farmers," said Tommy A. Ala, Department of Agriculture acting director for Central Mindanao.

Organized by the Central Mindanao Vegetable Industry and Development Council (Cemvidec), this year's vegetable congress is themed "Accelerating the Development of the Philippine Vegetable Industry in Response to National and Global Challenges."

Jose Victor M. Santos, Cemvidec president, said the holding of this congress will enable stakeholders to discuss current issues and concerns of the vegetable industry.

The congress is conducted annually and alternately in every region nationwide in the last six years. The 6th national vegetable congress was held in Ormoc City.

The vegetable industry in the Philippines is composed majority of small farms averaging about 1,000 square meters engaged in subsistence to commercial production, industry data showed.

"This congress calls for vegetable growers to unite their efforts and create impact on food sufficiency and poverty alleviation," Santos said.

The event aims to equip vegetable stakeholders on the latest technology updates on cultural practices and innovations for tropical vegetable production, farm planning and management, packaging and handling techniques for domestic wholesale markets and vegetable quality management, an event brief said.

It also intends to address issues and concerns on the Philippine vegetable industry, particularly on safe and judicious use of pesticides and other agro-chemicals, the strengthening of the existing seed industry development programs on vegetables and government interventions to be more competitive, it added.

The re-organization of the Philippine Vegetable Industry Development Board technical working group will also be discussed during the forum, Ala said.

The congress would also include a trade fair of agricultural products, market matching and technical sessions focusing on government’s specific programs on vegetables, he added.

Farm tours for the participants would include the one owned by Filipino boxing superstar Manny D. Pacquiao in Malungon, Sarangani, organizers said.

The vegetable congress has the support of the City Government and the provincial governments of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani, as well as the departments of Trade and Industry, Tourism and Trade and Industry and the Growth with Equity in Mindanao, a program funded by the United States Agency for International Development. (BSS)