Ramon B. Camacho, Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council chairman, also requested Gov. Benigno R. Fitial to allocate $200,000 for farm equipment and accessories, irrigation system and marketing to provide direct assistance to local farmers.
In his letter to the governor, Camacho, one of the prime movers of the Saipan Farmers Group, reminded Fitial about their previous discussion with Lt. Gov. Eloy Inos in reviving the once prosperous agri-based economy of Saipan.
He said the plan has gained so much momentum that even U.S. Assistant Interior Secretary for Insular Affairs Tony Babauta “is captivated by the subject and is on board in supporting a thriving agriculture industry through a recent million-dollar grant award to the CNMI.”
“We respectfully seek your endorsement in enabling local farmers to make a difference in the CNMI economy by reviving the only industry that our local residents have the most control over, not to mention the industry with proven record as an economic driver and generator,” Camacho said in his letter to the governor.
He told the governor that not only would agriculture development flourish to a new level but it would also spawn small business incubation, jobs, tourist attractions, and access to fresh and nutritious food for residents and visitors.
Agricultural development will also create new entrepreneurial opportunities, and build a sense of community ownership and participation in a secure, safe and healthy environment, he said.
“With your blessing and in consultation with your office, your local council stands ready, able and willing to work closely with the administration in realizing your vision and seeing that the local farmers market outlet indeed is a reality this year,” he told the governor.
Camacho said local farmers will also benefit from the shipyard repair facility, which the Fitial administration wants the CNMI to have.
Camacho said the designation of Saipan for shipyard repair will generate “tremendous domestic and international business activities” in the CNMI, directly benefiting local farmers.
“Nothing short of a direct executive-level intervention and assistance are required, which your administration undoubtedly will leave a lasting legacy tomorrow, by lighting the flame of leadership in the revival of the long dormant agri-business today, one that locals can harness, make a living on, and turn a passion into profit just as well, while leading a hand in helping the overall economy of the CNMI,” he said.
