THIS coming September, the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Inudstry, Inc. is targeting to stage a bigger Davao Agri Trade Expo (Date).
Date 2019 chairperson Val Turtur said during the DCCCII General Membership meetin on February 27 at the Seda Abreeza Hotel that on its 21st year, the flagship event of the chamber continues to give importance to Southern Philippines' finest agricultural products and services.
He said they are doing things differently this year in terms of the commodity the event focuses on. In previous years, organizers would alternately focus on either crops or livestock and poultry.
"This year, the Date 2019 is considered to be bigger and better. We decided to have it all in one event," Turtur said.
Slated on September 26 to 28, 2019 at the SMX Conventiuon Center, SM Lanang Premier, Turtur said this is part of their advocacy to promote Davao as an agriculture hub.
"We want to show the Philippines and the world that we have the best farm products here," Turtur said, adding that while Davao Region is becoming more urbanized, agriculture still plays a large role in the region.
He said they want Date 2019 to serve as an avenue for small farm holders and agri-businesses where they can learn new things to become more competitive in the market.
"We want to show them what kind of crops investors are looking for. We will also try to convince them to go for the crops that will provide higher income," Turtur said.
Date 2019 will feature resource speakers, who are yet to be announced by the organizers, to offer insights on the latest trends on agricutlure during the different break-out sessions. Turtur said the speakers will be scientists and experts on different agricultural fields
There will also be exhibitors who will showcase the latest agriculture technology. Exhibitors will not only be from Davao Region but organizers have also invited other agribusinesses in Mindanao. Other activities during the event include a networking night, technical seminars, fiesta, cook-off, and a business matching.
Turtur said aside from over a hundred exhibitors, they will also be inviting agribusinesses from the Visayas and Luzon for them to see what Davao can offer and potentially invest here.