TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) - Farmers and fisherfolk who are members of the Farmers Cooperative Association (FCA) convened in a two-day summit at the Department of Agriculture - Southern Cagayan Research Station to further their knowledge and skills in achieving higher production and better income.

The Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation Program or the F2C2 Summit aims to look deeper at the value chain, better access to market and financing, consolidate farms to penetrate bigger market, acquire more support from the government and other stakeholders among others.

The summit also provided an opportunity for farmers and fisherfolk to widen their horizons and learn more from the  stories and strategies  of successful farmers.

Regional Executive Director Narciso Edillo said the government has been into various programs aimed at addressing the gaps in the agriculture sector and linked farmers and fisherfolks to various programs that will enable them to become competitive.

While the implementation of the F2C2 program is challenging, there were about 85 FCAs assesed for their requirements ready for modernization and industrialization.

During the summit , the 69 FCAs received various support ranging from input to machineries which will them grow bigger.

Meanwhile, fresh and processed products of farmers were also displayed during the trade fair.

Also, one of the highlights of the summit were the showcase of talents of four pairs of candidates for the Ginoong at Binibining F2C2 from the provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya who are all members of FCAs.

Quirino candidate won the Ginoong F2C2 while Binibining F2C2 was awarded to the Nueva Vizcaya candidate.

Added to the event were the DA Live Band Concert, night market and food fiesta.

SCRC's newly installed acting manager Norma Nerona expressed gratitude for the support of the DA regional office, the various research stations and the local government unit of Iguig. (OTB/GVB/PIA-Cagayan)