They are hosting a Farmers Produce Sale this Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the old Dededo Fire Station.
John Borja, division chief of agriculture development services at the Department of Agriculture, said fresh produce is the best in the market because customers are able to buy them at their freshest state.
He said the nutritional value of imported crops from the states does not contain higher content than fruits and produce grown locally.
The co-op is encouraging island residents to buy local and support local farmers.
Borja said the Department of Agriculture is also encouraging farmers to grow organic produce.
Although this is a longer process, Borja said farmers are able to provide organic sustainable growth which is important because of Guam’s isolated location.
Currently, local organically grown produce are not nationally certified. But Borja said they can still sell but will not be labeled as certified organic.
Borja said the University of Guam and the Department of Agriculture are working on a certifying body.
“We’re working toward a certifying process,” said Borja.
In order to receive certification, a farmer must have three years of documented historical records of practicing organic methods, he added.
This Friday, Guam Community College culinary students will demonstrate their skills in culinary arts using local produce.
