MACO eyed for inclusion in F2C2 program. Apart from being a Rice Processing Center-recipient, rice farmers of Maramag Community Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MACO MPC) will soon benefit other projects from DA’s Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation program. #

 

To promote inclusive agribusiness development in the country, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office (DA-RFO 10) gears up for the Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation Program (F2C2), as it selects the Maramag Community Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MACO MPC) as one of its pilot areas for the program.

“To contribute to our rice sufficiency efforts in the region, the cooperative is chosen for its potential for rice production,” DA-RFO 10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga shared.

Established in 1990, the cooperative is based in North Poblacion, Maramag, Bukidnon and has grown to 8,369 members since then.

The cooperative is known for working with the agency on its programs and project implementations geared towards reducing production costs of rice farmers, thus, increasing their income.

Aside from being a Rice Processing Center recipient, the cooperative has also received agri-machineries and facility such as combine harvesters, farm tractors and mechanical dryers to support  around their 100 members who are engaged in rice production.

Such produce is also being sold at the cooperative’s agency store.

In addition, with the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the cooperative sold their produce as part of the relief goods distribution initiatives by some local government units.

In line with the DA Administrative Order 27 signed by Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar, the F2C2 program seeks to streamline the access to credit, financing, mechanization, logistics and transport, and post-harvest support to farm and fishery clusters.

Under the program, clustered areas must have a minimum production area of 100 hectares for rice, 75 for corn and other grains, 50 for high value vegetables, 100 for fruit trees and perennials and 100 hectares for fiber crops.

It will also focus on giving priority to community production and processing projects to promote coordinated and organized value chain systems to achieve increased productivity compared to stand-alone practices.

“We are hopeful for the success of this project and look forward that it will help increase our farmers’ productivity and income, especially during these trying times,” remarked MACO MPC chair Calixto DS. Daquiado. # (AMBManto)