The governor’s message was delivered by his senior policy advisor, Ray Mafnas, during the banquet for the winners of the 27th Agricultural Fair at the Civic Center’s 4-H Club building in Susupe on Saturday.
Fitial, in his message, noted the need to revisit and reevaluate the potential for greater agricultural production in the CNMI.
“We must undertake a more proactive participation, heightened public awareness and provide consistent support to our agricultural sector as well as promote partnerships and collaboration with government agencies and non-government organizations to maximize the benefits and potentials of agricultural industry in the CNMI,” he said.
Department of Lands and Natural Resources Secretary Dr. Ignacio T. Dela Cruz, Saipan Agricultural Fair Association president Isidoro T. Cabrera and members of the organizing committee handed awards to the 246 winners in the plant and animal divisions.
Francisco Deleon Guerrero won the grand prize in the animal division while former Public Safety Commissioner Santiago Tudela topped the plant division.
Mafnas said the governor implemented policy changes to offer “timely economic relief” to farmers and ranchers.
The governor, he said, reduced by 50 percent the fees assessed for leasing commercial plots in Kagmas, and reduced by 60 percent the fees charged for water consumption in the village.
He urged farmers and ranchers to take advantage of these incentives to promote local participation in the agricultural industry.
He also encouraged farmers and ranchers to take advantage of the opportunities that will be created by the looming military buildup on Guam and the rest of the Marianas.
Farmers and ranchers, he added, should prepare to increase production of animal stocks and produce for marketing and export.
“Our administration remains open to dialogue and will continue to support our farmers and ranchers,” Mafnas said.
