THE Department of Agriculture (DA) conducted an awareness campaign on Asean Economic Community (AEC) integration among farmers’ organizations in Western Visayas.
Dr. Jonic F. Natividad, chief of the DA-Region 6’s Regulatory Division, said understanding AEC integration will equip farmer leaders with the necessary information to help them cope with its impact on the agriculture sector.
Natividad said adopting organic agriculture technologies and strengthening good agricultural practices (GAP) among farmers’ organizations will be a “vital edge” in gaining competitive advantage among Asean member-countries.
He also encouraged participants to emulate technologies and best practices of GAP-certified farms in other countries.
Felicitas M. Neturada, DA-6 senior science research specialist, discussed the topic on Code of Conduct on Hygienic Practices for Herbs and Spices, while agriculturist Sonie S. Guanco talked about understanding GAP and its guiding principles.
Meanwhile, participants identified their needs for getting GAP certification for their respects in line with the country’s AEC commitment.
AEC, an integrated economy of 10 Asean member-countries, is envisioned as a highly competitive economic region fully integrated into a global economy having equitable economic development and a single-market and production base. It heralds the establishment of a community that will allow the free movement of goods, services, investments, skilled labor and capital flow in the region.