In his remarks during the Economic Restoration Summit last week, the businessman discussed the potential of agriculture in the CNMI.
Pellegrino, who also exports shrimp off-island, disclosed his plan to help local farmers deal with the anticipated increase in demand once the U.S. military moves its Marines from Okinawa, Japan to Guam.
He said the U.S. Navy told him that it wants farm produce from the CNMI.
This, he added, will provide local farmers a big market for their produce.
Although the Sabalu Market Association continues to focus on meeting local demand, its members are also trying to reach out to off-island markets.
Pellegrino said he has started selling CNMI farm produce on Guam.
“We shipped 135 pounds of produce as first trial run, plus 40 pounds of fish,” he added.
As the leader of the Sabalu farmers group, Pellegrino said he is trying to make the weekend market in Susupe more business-like.
By making the area more presentable and wider, more customers will come, he added.
“The prices are good, the quality is excellent, but not so many people are taking advantage of that,” Pellegrino noted.
