OE-NADA of the proposed ARCCESS sub-project: organically-grown rice-based farming cum marketing Roma, Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro (final report)

Date

11-2014

Abstract

As a farmers association, SMMI [Samahang Magpapatubig ng Mansalay, Inc] has been developing irrigated farms. About 7 of its members are practicing organic farming including the production of organic fertilizer applied to rice and vegetables. Produced however is for personal consumption only. Early adopters had learned organic farming from attended trainings and had been influential to other rice and vegetable farmers in the community. Its vision statement speaks about the promotion of organic farming. SMMI is registered entity under the Securities and Exchange Commission. It has clear vision and mission statements that gear towards organic farming. Nevertheless, these VMG statements are not documented nor communicated to individual members. SMMI has a set of constitution and by-laws that were formulated and certified by its trustees and members. These by-laws have not yet been updated since it was registered in 2010. The members believe that recruiting new members and orienting them is crucial for the growth and development of a lifetime membership fee that could be passed on to other members of the family. Overall, the project design will address the farmers' immediate problems, such as, additional sources of income. Lack of necessary equipment and machineries in establishing and facilitating an agri-enterprise and lack of knowledge on organic agriculture and entrepreneurial and marketing skills. To ensure the success of the project implementation and attainment of the project's objectives and goals, the following are recommended: 1. Strengthen the organization capacities of SMMI through continuous leadership and governance trainings. Future meetings by the leadership should be seriously attended to by even the inactive members. 2.DAR to assist SMMI with its plan on: a. adding a business development component/committee to SMMI's organizational structure which will focus on developing income generating activities; b.converting the barangay [village] market into a 'bagsakan' or trade center of farm products ie rice, fruits, vegetables, flowers and livestock meat and by-products organized by SMMI. With sufficient funds, SMMI may act as middle-trader of members' products. Prices of produce should be discussed among members. SMMI should have knowledge of farm gate prices to discuss the best prices for the products; c.expand market by establishing own stall at Boracay. As experienced, Boracay is a strategic market place given the only 4 hours travel time. SMMI could take advantage of bringing and promoting organic products at Boracay; 3.Provide brand new and with quality machines and equipment to ensure life use that suits local situation; 4. Fill the knowledge gap of SMMI members and non-members on sustainable agriculture/organic farming through continuous trainings and site demonstration visits to functioning agri-enterprise activities, such as, MAFDECO, entrepreneurship including marketing. It is recommended that many will have knowledge about organic agriculture; and 5.Get the service of the principled BDS provider which will facilitate the implementation of project activities. Principled BDS has its heart for the poor farmers-for them to finally be released of middlemen's advancements.

Language

English

Document Type

Article

Pages /Collation

39 leaves

En – AGROVOC descriptors

RICE; ORGANIC AGRICULTURE; IRRIGATED FARMING; ORGANIC FERTILIZERS; EQUIPMENT; MULTIPURPOSE COOPERATIVES; FARMERS; FARMERS ASSOCIATIONS; EXTENSION ACTIVITIES; EQUIPMENT; PHILIPPINES

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