“Local ranchers and farmers may prosper in the future by supplying products to the U.S. military, during the regional buildup over the next several years,” he said.
Fitial lauded yesterday the Farmers Support Group for initiating the upcoming two-day 1st Agricultural Summit on Feb. 11 and 12 at the Saipan World Resort.
He said the group is trying to meet the challenges of the agricultural industry on island, and is helping farmers and ranchers make their businesses more viable and profitable.
Saipan Municipal Council vice chairman Ramon B. Camacho, one of the prime movers of the group, emphasized the need to develop the agricultural industry in the CNMI.
He said the CNMI and the federal government have been allotting million of dollars for the diabetes prevention program.
Bu this campaign should also educate and encourage the people to venture into farming activities so that more people can eat fruits and vegetables grown in the CNMI.
Fitial encouraged local farmers and ranchers to establish a business network and learn more about marketing and running successful enterprises.
“The CNMI’s agriculture industry can still make more progress, even during a difficult economic environment because of the inherent demand for fresh food and agricultural product,” the governor said.
The support group comprises Northern Marianas College’s Cooperative Research Extension and Education Service, the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Saipan Municipal Council.
NMC President Carmen Fernandez said the upcoming summit is a great opportunity for farmers, ranchers and the community.
Expected to attend the summit are farmers, businessmen, government and industry leaders, Camacho said.
The ultimate goal of the event is to revive the commonwealth’s agriculture industry, he added,
For more information, call Carolyn P. Hosono of NMC’s Community Development Institute at 234-5498 ext. 1010 or e-mail [email protected]. You may also call Les Ogumoro-Ulodong at 234-5498 ext. 1019 or e-mail [email protected].
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