SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – The Antique farmers’ associations are being encouraged to secure accreditation with the Department of Agriculture (DA) so they would become beneficiaries of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF).
As RCEF members, they would be able to avail of technical assistance, farm inputs and other forms of assistance.
Vice Governor Edgar Denosta said DA officials visited him last week and requested his help in encouraging farmers’ associations to register.
“DA has several technical assistances, farm inputs, and farm machinery that could be availed of by our farmers through their accredited associations,” he said.
Denosta filed a resolution on Monday recommending that all farmers’ groups or associations seek accreditation with the DA.
RCEF also grants loans and livelihood projects, including those aimed at boosting climate-resilient agriculture and promoting sustainable farming practices.
The resolution was immediately adopted by the provincial board.
Denosta cited the Kalipunan ng mga Magsasaka ng Patnongon, one of the few accredited farmers’ associations in Antique. It was granted rice and corn mills amounting to about PhP 600, 000.
“Renewing or securing accreditation with the DA, farmers’ associations can actively contribute to the overall development of their communities by improving agricultural productivity, which directly impacts on food security, employment generation and rural economic development in their municipalities,” Denosta said in his resolution.
Under the resolution, all municipal agriculture officers of the 18 towns of Antique are requested to assist the farmers’ associations in applying for accreditation.
He said farmers’ associations with expired accreditation would be given the opportunity to reapply. (PNA)