Noting that the number of buyers at the weekly flea markets continues to go down, Saipan Farmers Sabalu Market Association president Isidoro T. Cabrera said they’re still hoping to “enhance” local agriculture.
Cabrera believes that agriculture is the next sustainable industry in the commonwealth after tourism, which is also struggling.
But with the decreasing population compounded by tougher immigration rules, the demise of the garment industry and the job cuts in the government and the private sector, selling vegetables, fruits and other agriculture products may no longer be profitable.
Cabrera said the only hope for agriculture is exporting local produce.
He and other farmers believe there is a growing demand for fresh food on Guam not only due to the looming military buildup but also to the increasing consumption there.
However, Cabrera said the lack of affordable transportation hinders CNMI agriculture products from reaching the Guam market so commonwealth farmers compete for continuously shrinking number of consumers here.
Sabalu member Bill Ada said four of the vendors did not show up last Saturday probably due to lack of produce or “slow sales.” This, he said, happens all the time. When the next batch of harvest does not come on time, farmers end up with nothing to sell. Others quit simply because nobody is buying anymore.
Hope
Cabrera and Ada said businessman Tony Pellegrino’s plan to use an aircraft to bring Saipan’s produce to Guam has given CNMI farmers a glimpse of hope.
Cabrera said when Pellegrino announced the good news during the farmers workshop at the multi-purpose center last week, all 40 participants were so excited that they immediately discussed expanding their farm plots.
Pellegrino informed the workshop participants that two Sherpa cargo planes will arrive in September and their inaugural flight will be in October.
It will be operated by Cargo Air Bridge.
Cabrera said Pellegrino gave farmers the best reason to increase their production.
The challenge
Now, Cabrera added, the question is, “can we produce enough?”
He recalled that when U.S. Navy officials came here almost two years ago, they wanted to know if CNMI farmers could commit themselves to the quantity of produce that would be required by the military.
Cabrera said right now, a farmer cannot guarantee consistency in producing crops that are in demand.
He said there are many factors that prevent farmers from achieving the required quantity. One is the never-ending problem with irrigation whenever dry season comes.
Another challenge is maintaining the quality of produce.
Cabrera said each piece of produce has to be “rated.” The sizes must be uniform, the produce must be clean and well-packaged. There are certain standards that must be met.
Cabrera said local farmers can be successful if they can get all the resources they need to improve their production and expand their operations.
The most important thing, he added, is a change in attitude. If people will just cooperate and be committed in what they do, Cabrera believes Saipan farmers can do it.
To date, the Sabalu market group has 36 members. Some harvest their produce from their own farms and some are leasing plots in Kagman.
