By Emmanuel T. Erediano
Variety News Staff

THE Department of Public Lands has allowed farmers to sell their produce at Sabalu Market in Susupe twice a week for five years.
The assistant to the Department of Lands and Natural Resources secretary, Henry Hofschneider, made this announcement during a Sabalu Farmers Market Association meeting on Saturday.
DLNR relayed the farmers’ request for the extension of their annual permit to DPL two months ago.
The permit expired on Sept. 15 and the farmers wanted it extended for five years.
The farmers group headed by Edward C. Deleon Guerrero also wanted another day for their market, an extension of hours up to 6 p.m., permission to sell livestock and fish and expansion of the market area.
All of these requests, according to Hofschneider, were granted by DPL Secretary John Del Rosario, except for the area expansion.
The new five-year permit, however, “could be modified or cancelled” after a 30-day notice “if there is a dire need to do so.”
The Sabalu Market in Susupe sells fresh vegetables every Saturday morning up to 12 noon.
Now, farmers can also sell their produce either on Sunday or Tuesday from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Deleon Guerrero, in a separate interview, said they were happy to hear that most of their requests were approved.
He said they also want the government to help them develop a “comprehensive agricultural development plan.”
The plan, Deleon Guerrero said, should identify public and private farm land, and include a commercial water irrigation system, safe conservation practices, pest and nutrient management programs as well as sales and marketing plans.
Expanding the Sabalu market operation, he added, will test their productivity in anticipation of an increase in demand for locally produced fresh produce due to the military build-up on Guam