TWENTY associations of upland and coastal farmers and fisherfolk in Negros Occidental are getting a boost through the People’s Organization (PO) Product Selling which started Monday, June 18, at the Provincial Capitol grounds in Bacolod City.

Luisa Tutor, senior environmental management specialist of the Provincial Environment Management Office (Pemo), said the activity, which will run until June 30, is in line with the 26th Provincial Environment Week celebration.

Tutor, also the upland ecosystem management coordinator, said these POs are assisted by the Pemo through various programs like the Integrated Social Forestry Program (ISFP).

ISFP is aimed at helping farmers alleviate their status of living while promoting protection and conservation of the environment.

“This is in support to the Pemo's vision of achieving a healthy environment, empowered communities and sustainable economic growth,” she added.

The two-week product selling activity showcases a wide variety of locally and naturally grown agriculture and fishery products.

Tutor said that aside from promoting environmental friendly products and practices, it is also one way of helping local farmers to generate more income.

“We are bringing their products fresh from the farm to the lagoon, which will serve as one selling point for the buyers,” Tutor said, adding that the province continues to urge local farmer-producers to go global.

This means that they should expand their niche as a potential for organic products continues to grow in both local and international markets, she added.

The opening ceremony, meanwhile, was also led by Pemo head Wilfred Ramon Peñalosa Jr. along with representatives of participating organizations.