Cabrera, who traveled with Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela to China last week said farmers in the CNMI must come together and help develop means to meet future off-island demand for fresh produce.
The U.S. military buildup on Guam is expected result in an increase in the demand of vegetables.
However, the U.S. military made it clear that it will deal only with an organization and not with individual farmers.
Cabrera said meeting the demands of the military buildup on Guam is the main purpose of expanding the farmers’ organization.
There are about 80 farmers and ranchers on Saipan but the association has 35 members only.
Cabrera noted the limited space at the Sabalu Market and during other market days along Beach Road.
But expanding their group, he said, is mainly for the Guam military buildup.
This expansion, Cabrera said, is good news to many farmers who have been on the waiting list of those wanting to be a part of their group.
