The event is spearheaded by the Department of Lands and Natural Resources in cooperation with Northern Marianas College-Community Development Institute and the Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council. It will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fiesta Resort & Spa.
The conference will discuss market demand and funding opportunities for specialty crops. Other topics include how to connect agri-business to tourism, retail and wholesale marketing requirements, export marketing opportunities on Guam, and the pathway to agri-business sustainability.
Manny Pangelinan, the conference project leader, said they have panelists from the private sector, particularly from the hotels and other business community organizations.
The conference is expected to draw 175 participants, he added.
Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council Chairman Ramon B. Camacho, one of the prime movers of the Farmers Support Group, said the conference is very important to local farmers.
“We would like to establish the link so we can help meet the demand for vegetables and fruits to help the tourism industry,” he said.
According to Camacho, it is important to prepare now for 2014 when most of the nonresident workers are expected to leave the islands.
