by Elvy T. Estacio, RPCOCAR InfoACE & Stepher Banhan, RPCOCAR I-REAP

Learning visits were organized for the Taloy Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative (TAFARMCO) to provide valuable insights and guidance for their proposed enterprise subproject on Agri Food and Processing Hub, under the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) Scale-Up. 

The learning visits included trips to various processing companies and machine manufacturers across Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, and Valenzuela City. Conducted in early January, these visits showcased a state-of-the-art processing facility equipped with the latest food safety and quality assurance systems for exporting okra, a cutting-edge spray-drying technology for producing quality food solutions, and advanced food processing machinery. This visit was organized by the DA-PRDP Regional Project Coordination Office (RPCO) CAR to help TAFARMCO enhance their knowledge of modern agro-processing techniques and guide them in developing a competitive and sustainable enterprise subproject proposal.

In December 2024, an international learning visit was also organized to the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Thailand to provide TAFARMCO with a broader perspective on with a broader perspective on vegetable value chain and market systems. This initiative was facilitated by Agriterra, a Netherlands-based non-profit organization specializing in supporting farmers’ organizations in developing countries. Agriterra has partnered with the DA-PRDP to assist farmers’ cooperatives and associations in preparing enterprise subproject proposals.

The Thailand visit included lecture sessions covering the country’s agricultural landscape, a global overview of the vegetable value chain, cold chain systems, food preservation techniques, and value addition. Participants also toured farms, agricultural learning centers, and market establishments, gaining practical insights and innovative ideas for improving their operations.

As TAFARMCO works on crafting their business plan, Chief Executive Officer Angel Garcia acknowledged the challenges they faced in preparing a comprehensive agri-enterprise proposal for government funding, particularly with food processing. He shared that this is their first time preparing such a proposal and that they had encountered a dilemma regarding the processing aspect of their proposed enterprise.

Garcia explained that the learning visits, especially those in the Central Luzon provinces, have been instrumental in addressing their concerns.

“We were able to incorporate what we learned, particularly in the process flow, logistics, and the machinery we’ll need for our enterprise,” he said.

With these valuable insights and experiences, TAFARMCO is now better equipped to refine and strengthen their enterprise proposal. ###