MEMBERS of the Kagman Agricultural Farms and Producers Association Inc. or KAFPA held their first general membership meeting at the Division of Agriculture on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022 to officially commence their business after the organization was officially chartered and licensed.
The organization’s board of directors are Glenn H. Manglona, president; Edward Cabrera, vice president; Ryan Reyes, secretary; Jesus Castro, treasurer; and William Ada, director. The advisers of the organization are Ramon B Camacho and Isidoru Cabrera.
Prior to the meeting Agriculture Director Jack Ogumoro greeted all who were present and informed the members who are all farmers and producers about the various programs and financial assistance that will be made available soon.
Guests from the Department of Commerce who were present during the meeting were Director Jesus Taisague, Cody Kioshi and Joanna Ada. They took turns sharing the opportunities to assist local farmers in marketing their farm yields in the local markets.
After the president called the meeting to order, KAFPA-Resolution 1 was introduced and adopted by the members. The resolution states:
“Whereas, the Board of Directors of Kagman Agricultural Farms and Producers Association Inc. has approved the creation of a Finance Committee headed by Mr. William Ada as Chairperson and;
“Whereas, this Finance Committee is authorized by the Board to seek for financial assistance in a form of grant from the Governor’s Office, the Department of Lands and Natural Resources, Division of Agriculture and/or the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation or through any other means necessary from any grantor agency, local and/or federal and;
“Whereas, this funding if granted shall be used for the establishment of the organization’s rental office, office equipment and hiring of its Executive Director and other staff necessary to help all the farmers and producers of the association achieved sustainability in the production of goods for food security for the people in the CNMI;
“Now therefore, be it resolved by the Board of Directors of the Kagman Agricultural Farms and Producers, Association, Inc. and,
“Be it further resolved that the President shall certify and Secretary shall attest, to the adoption hereof, and a certified copy shall thereafter be transmitted the Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Secretary of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the Director of the Division of Agriculture, the Chairperson of the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation and any other grantor agency.”
Additionally, the president informed the members that their organization will also include those interested individuals who are livestock producers and ranchers.
Ranchers and those who are raising cows, pigs, and chickens are also eligible to join KAFPA even if your farm or ranch is not in Kagman.
