THE strawberry capital of the country wants to maximize the benefits derived from agriculture and tourism sector through its proposed La Trinidad Farm Tourism ordinance.

Under the proposed law, Councilor Roderick Awingan, chair on committee on tourism said they have institutionalized programs for the development and promotion of the farm tourism in the municipality.

The town, which is currently the second most visited in the Cordillera region boasts of the strawberry farm inside the Benguet State University owned 500 square meters lot.

In the previous year, the strawberry farm welcomed more than 500,000 tourists from over the country.

Awingan added the proposed law comprised of accreditation assistance, capability buildings for farm tourism stakeholders that includes tour guiding conference, Farm Tourism circuit promotions, and tourism forum.

La Trinidad Farm Tourism Development and Promotions Board will be created to formulate the implementation of farm tourism strategic action plan and increase awareness on the value of farm tourism through advocacy campaigns and marketing activities.

The farm tourism strategic action plan is a comprehensive set of programs and activities for the growth of farm tourism in the municipality and covers investment promotion and financing, market, research, trends, innovations and information, accreditation of farm tourism camps, market promotion and development, agriculture and fishery research, development and extension, institutional and human resource development and infrastructure support.

Moreover, within the proposed law the municipality will directly assist farm tourism camp operators applying for accreditation with the Department of Tourism and Agricultural Training Institute and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

Awingan said the ordinance will undergo a public hearing on April 3 at the Municipal Lednicky Hall to hear inputs and suggestions to aid in the enactment of the proposed law.