Date Published: June 7, 2022

The consultation was a result of a series of activities such as the Key Informant Interviews (KII) with various soybean industry players and the data consolidation and analysis, which are intended to finalize the crafting of the VCA for Soybean which is spearheaded by the IPLAN component.

VCA is a scientific tool adopted by the DA-PRDP which focuses on creating added value along the commodity chain and providing reasonable benefits to all players within the chain. It aims to provide guidance to LGUs, funding institutions, and other stakeholders in identifying priority interventions that would support and enhance the competitiveness of the commodity.

The Caraga Region has consistently been the country’s highest soybean producer in the last 5 years producing 342 Metric Tons in 2020. Meanwhile, the demand for soybean continues to remain high in the national and global market due to its use in food, fuel, and animal feeds. With the current 253.5 hectares production area in the region, the DA hopes to further expand areas of production eyeing 1,400 hectares for potential expansion.

Caraga’s Regional Agricultural and Fisheries Council (RAFC) Chair Christopher Lindo expressed his support for crafting the VCA for soybean, citing that there is a need to strengthen farmers’ group.

“You need to work together as a farmers’ groups because it is in unity that you will be able to strengthen your industry and become a strong force of influence in pushing for support from the enabling institutions.”, Lindo said.

Lindo added that the Regional Agriculture and Fishery Council that he currently heads will support their endeavors and will push for RDCs support on the Soybean industry.