The Search for the Best Urban and Peri-Urban Agricultural Garden (Regional Level)

In an effort to maintain food production at home and in the community, the National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP) and the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) are currently in the second year of their initiative, "The Search for the Best Urban and Peri-Urban Gardens." It draws. attention to the importance of food security in rural areas, which is regarded as the primary barrier to achieving and sustaining a healthy diet for people of all ages.

The search for the best urban and peri-urban gardens will be divided into two major categories: Category A Microgardens Cluster which has a land area of 250 sqm or less and Category B Macrogardens Cluster which has a land area greater than 250 sqm.

Eligibility

The interested urban and peri-urban garden must be duly registered and valid during the evaluation period, from any of the following, but not limited to: Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), DA Accredited CSO, and ATI LSA Certification for LSAs. In the case of school-based urban and peri-urban gardens, certification from their Gulayan sa Paaralan Program (GPP) Coordinators in their respective Schools Division Office can be considered as well as any certification and accreditation from their respective LGUS.

Technical Requirements:

Each urban and peri-urban garden shall showcase either of the following, but not limited to, urban and peri-urban agriculture technologies in their garden within the duration of the search:

1. Soil-based urban and peri-urban gardening
• Conventional urban gardening
• Container gardening
• Vertical farming
• Rooftop gardening
• Raised beds
• Edible Landscaping
• Screen house and greenhouse farming
• Urban floriculture (edible and ornamental)

2. Soilless urban agriculture
• Hydroponics
• Aeroponics
• Urban aquaponics (Nile (grayish-black) and red tilapia farming, Catfish farming, Carp, Koi, Crab, and Various ornamental fish)

3. Smart farming technologies
• Indoor cultivation
• Greenhouse automation
• Internet of Things (IoT)
• Smart Sensors Drone Technology
• Smart fertigation Drip Irrigation system
• Other smart farming technologies

4. Mushroom Spawning and Production
• Shiitake mushroom
• Oyster mushroom
• Milky mushroom
• White button mushroom
• Volvariella mushroom
• Other edible mushroom species

5. Urban livestock production technology
• Rabbit farming
• Chicken, Quail, duck, and other poultry farming
• Urban apiculture (e.g. stingless bee production)
• Other livestock production technologies permitted by their respective Local Government Unit (LGU)

6. Resource generation for urban agriculture
• Urban and peri-urban farm nursery
• Vegetable seed production
• Feed formulation
• Organically produced/natural soil ameliorants, biofertilizers, and concoctions, including vermiculture and vermicomposting

Documentary Requirements:

1. Letter of Intent by the urban and peri-urban garden, noted by their head or authorized representative.
2. Endorsement letter from any of the PA/MA/MAO/CA/CAO, or equivalent.
3. The record book to be submitted must be softbound and shall contain the following:
• Profile - Name of the urban and peri-urban garden, its brief description, focal person, and contact details.
• Production data list of crops grown and volume of harvest (in kilograms) from January-December 2023, and area planted (in sq.m.) attested by the PA/CA/MA, or CAO/MAO, or equivalent.
• Cost of Production provide receipts or other equivalent proof or record of transaction
• Sales record - provide sales entries/logs or receipts, if available List of beneficiaries and the form of assistance provided, if any
• Inventory of agricultural inputs, including but not limited to nutrient solutions, fertilizers, and pesticides
• Urban and peri-urban agriculture technologies (as specified in the technical requirements)
• Urban and peri-urban garden 4-Year Strategic Plan (Annex A) covering the evaluation period (2023-2026), duly signed by their head or authorized representative, and attested by their PA/CA/MA, or CAO, or equivalent.
• Visitors log, indicating the total number of visitors from January 2023 to December 2023.
• Training certificates of officers and members, relevant to agriculture and its allied sciences.
• Photo documentation to support the aforementioned items.

Awards

Category A. Microgardens

Category B. Macrogardens

There will be special awards for the best implementer of the different urban and peri-urban agriculture technologies. Regional champions per category are also endorsed for the National Level.

Interested applicants may submit their application requirements through our email address, rtc12.dcc@ati.da.gov.ph , addressed to our OIC - Center Director, Shirley L. Beldia on or before July 16, 2024.

The application process for the program is free from any monetary compensation. If any government entity/personnel is claiming to be under the Agricultural Training Institute and seeking payment, monetary or otherwise, please report immediately to your nearest ATI office or through our Facebook page, Agricultural Training Institute - Region XII.