JAPANESE investors have expressed interest to venture in organic high-value commercial crop (HVCC) production in Negros Occidental, Provincial Agriculturist Japhet Masculino said Wednesday, September 6.
Masculino joined Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. in a meeting with Hiroto Mitsunobu and Satoshi Hyodo and other executives of Mitsunobu Nouen Co. Ltd and L. Nature Inc. at the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City Tuesday.
He said the foreign firms wanted to start their investments in the province with “baby leaf or vegetable” production.
“They are looking for areas where they can setup production facilities like green houses and nurseries,” Masculino said, adding that the Japanese firms are considering both local and export markets.
After the discussion on the potential agricultural investments in the province, there is no timeline yet as to when they will start the project.
Masculino said the OPA is ready anytime to assist these firms in looking for potential areas for HVCC production.
Under this business venture, he said the Japanese investors are bringing in farming technologies to the province.
It is also a huge market development opportunity for the province's organic sector as these firms can also help local farmers increase production as soon as the demand snowballs, Masculino said.
“Normally, foreign investors bring their technologies and expertise while manpower are sourced in the province thus, it’s going be a learning venture for both parties," he said, adding that "it will surely impact positively the local organic agriculture industry."