Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council Chairman Ramon B. Camacho said $200,000 was made available by the U.S. Congress for a public market on Saipan.
“The money is sitting idle,” he said.
Camacho said almost half a million dollars in local matching funds was spent several years ago on the design for the proposed Garapan Farmers Market at the Fishing Base.
In addition to the U.S. congressional appropriation, he said, the Sabalu Market Inc. has prepared a federal grant application this year for another $200,000.
Camacho said this amount will provide technical assistance to small, socially disadvantaged producers and ranchers.
But the grant also requires a designated location, he added.
Another federal grant, he said, is available to help farmers and ranchers pay part of their transportation costs because the islands are considered “geographically disadvantaged locations.”
The municipal council wants the Saipan Famers Market Cooperative located on Lot 054 H 01 in Susupe.
“The local farmers group could jointly manage and operate the facility, in addition to the entire grounds surrounding the building and beyond,” Camacho said.
He has informed Department of Public Lands Secretary Oscar M. Babauta about the designation of a long-term Saipan Farmers Market Cooperative site.
The municipal council also asked Gov. Benigno R. Fitial for the endorsement of a public domain for the farmers.
As of yesterday, the municipal council office had yet to receive a reply from the governor’s office and DPL.
Camacho said they understand that the Garapan Fishing Base has been reserved for a “big investor.”
The Sabalu Farmers Market is still permitted by Department of Land and Natural Resources to use a portion of the area.
“We applaud your department in facilitating the local economic development of the islands. Do remember that agriculture is also an industry that is locally rooted, and was once a thriving industry. It could be, once again, with your support,” Camacho told Babauta in a letter.
He said Fitial and Lt Gov. Eloy Inos support reviving local agriculture.
“With your guidance and endorsement of this signature industry, the CNMI can once again turn around this fledgling industry to the level of economic prosperity it was once known for that still has the potential to be,” Camacho said in his letter.
