The Agricultural Training Institute - Regional Training Center 02 (ATI-RTC 02), Malasin, San Mateo, Isabela trained 30 farm school owners and trainers on Training of Trainers on Farm Business School for Rice-based Enterprises on September 16-27, 2024. The training aimed to introduce a market-oriented extension scheme at the farm level and to enable farmers to develop their capacity for running profitable farm.

The training used both classroom discussion and learning-by-doing approaches which provide the farmers with a structured experience which they can learn and practice in their own farm.

Mr. Jhony D. Monterico of Aling Estrella’s Farm and Learning Center in San Mariano, Isabela reminded his fellow participants that they must not forget the heart of learning the business of farming. He also added that being the inheritors of a legacy they are also the pioneers shaping the future. He said, “This Farm Business Training is about more than just profits… Let's make the most of this opportunity, learn from each other, and build a brighter future for agriculture.”

Different topics were discussed during the 12-day training such as entrepreneurial mindset development, financial literacy, digital marketing, farm business planning, value addition in food production, and marketing laws essential for the participants. Participants learned about important legal frameworks that govern marketing practices, ensuring compliance with regulations that protect both consumers and businesses.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) also played a significant role in the training, presenting their various programs designed to support farmer-entrepreneurs, such as business registration, market access initiatives, and access to financing through their MSME Development programs.

In addition, Chef Cocoy Ventura shared valuable insights from his successful culinary career, particularly on the importance of value addition in food production.

They were also engaged in practical activities such as market surveys, farm business plan presentations, and benchmarking visits to model farms like Minerva Farms and Gonzaga Farms in Santiago City, the Nueva Vizcaya Integrated Organic Farming Association, Inc. in Bintawan Norte, Villaverde, and Arboleda’s Farm in Busilac, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya where they learned about integrated and organic farming practices.

Meanwhile, the participants crafted and presented their re-entry plans to help transfer their newly acquired knowledge to their farmer students of FFS, further enhancing agricultural entrepreneurship across the region.