In 2010, the first directory was launched and copies were distributed to the public during the farm summit held on Saipan.
Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council Chairman Ramon B. Camacho has been visiting hotels and restaurants to inform them about the local products.
Camacho, one of the prime movers of the Farmers Support Group, also distributed copies of the crop producers directory.
Acting Division of Agriculture Manny Pangelinan said they will update the directory.
He urged local farmers who are listed in the 2011 directory and want to update their existing information and data to provide him with the required information.
The deadline is June 16, 2011 at 12 noon for the submission of updates or new entries, he said.
Pangelinan said this year, local retail and wholesale market managers are strongly urged to be in the 2011 publication in order to promote local vegetables such as cabbage, pechay, okra, and fruits like guava, soursop, banana and specialty crops, including orchids, bird of paradise, tea leaves, and other cut flowers and agricultural products like processed hot pepper, noni juice, guava juice and mango jam.
He said individuals, especially crop producers, wishing to obtain copies of the directory may contact him at 322-9830 or 287-6261, or they can e-mail [email protected].
Crop producers and farmers whose contact and related farm information are not in the 2010 crop producer directory are also urged to contact Pangelinan or the Saipan municipal council at 664-2700 (ask for council administrator Frances Muna).
They can also send inquiry and/or information to the council office at email address [email protected]; or Ross Manglona at 234-5498, email address [email protected].
The information and data required for the 2011 update include: name of farmer, contact information like phone number, mailing and e-mail addresses, island, farm plot physical location, producer status whether commercial or subsistence farmer, types of vegetable, fruit, floriculture specialty crops, and other agriculture products, and crop or product availability: seasonal (perennial) or year-round (annual).
Pangelinan said unlike the 2010 director, the 2011 edition will include information regarding farmers markets like Sabalu, Tuesday, Thursday night or retail markets that promote local farm produce and crops.
It will also include information on business hours and schedule, and whether they accept food assistance programs like the supplemental nutrition assistance, Women, Infants and Children and farmers market nutrition programs.
The new directory will state the kinds of agricultural products that are marketed including fresh fruits and vegetables, and how many participating local vendors market and distribute fresh local produce, specialty crops and agriculture products.
