The Ecological and Agricultural Development Foundation Inc. formally launched its Farmers Assistance Center to assist farmers in the production of organic rice and vegetables at the RU Foundry headquarters in Barangay Pahanocoy, Bacolod City, on Saturday, October 16.
Ramon Uy Sr., the foundation’s president, said they have allocated P10 million donated by good-hearted friends to uplift the lives of farmers by assuring them that all of their produce will be purchased at a guaranteed price.
Aladino Moraca, executive director of the foundation, said 21 farmers from Candoni, Bago City and San Carlos City joined the launching of the assistance center that encourages them to produce healthy food for consumers.
Uy said the foundation will provide the farmers P15,000 each in support per hectare, fertilizer and equipment for the planting of organic rice and vegetables.
The farmers will also be assured of a guaranteed price for their produce even before they start planting that is unprecedented, and hopefully will serve as a template for others, Uy said.
The program aims to promote organic farming and create new wealth for farmers, he added.
Uy said it is not difficult to sell organic rice that is in high demand in Manila.*