Farming is a vital part of our community, as it provides us with the food and produces we need to survive. It is also an important economic activity, providing jobs and income for farmers and farm workers. 

In addition, farming also plays an important role in preserving the environment, by helping to maintain soil fertility and water quality. Additionally, many farms are also used for recreational activities such as hunting, fishing, and bird-watching. Farming is essential for our community's health, economy, and environment, and it is important to support our local farmers and their efforts.

Moreover, as a farmer, being a member of a farmers association is a great way to stay informed on the latest developments in the farming industry. It can provide access to resources and valuable information that can help make farming more efficient and profitable. It can also provide support and networking opportunities to help farmers work together to share best practices and develop new ideas. Joining a farmers association can also give farmers a voice in advocating for better policies that can benefit the entire agricultural industry.

Furthermore, excellent leadership is essential for any organization, and this is especially true for a farmer's association. Effective leaders can help the association to achieve its goals by bringing people together, inspiring them to work towards a common purpose, and providing direction on important decisions. Good leadership can also help to ensure the association is running in an efficient and organized manner while maintaining a healthy and productive working environment. 

Leadership also helps to ensure proper communication, collaboration, and trust between all members of the association, which is vital for a successful organization. Ultimately, excellent leadership is essential for any farmer's association to succeed in its mission.

The case is true, for LASOVEGA or La Suerte Organic Vegetable Growers Association based in Pilar, Bohol. Ms. Helen Labesores Dagulpo, Manager of the organization, envisions of expanding the group’s resources and horizon since its establishment in 2010.

The dedication and enthusiasm of the officers have been major contributors to LASOVEGA's success. 

Despite the pandemic's difficulties, the group persevered in trying to build a sustainable business. The DA accreditation of LASOVEGA improved its reputation as a reliable farmers' organization. 

When they started out, they longed to avail the services of government agencies to help them develop their skills. 

With the support of agencies such as the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in Central Visayas,  skills like Partnership development, product selection for promotion, market study chain, cluster commitment setting, agri-enterprise plan and mobilization, product supply arranging, and test marketing were among the expertise gained through the training initiatives attended by the organization's members.

Challenges Along the Way

Just like any other organization, LASOVEGA has its fair share of bumps on the road. For instance, they dream of having their own stable supply of water to irrigate their crops. 

Moreover, they have to battle logistical issues like having decent transportation to travel their goods along the province. 

However, this didn't hinder the organization from excelling and expanding its network.

In 2020, through the assistance of the Department of Agriculture - Regional Field Office VII (DA-RFO VII), minor equipment like crates, a multi-cultivator, water pump, and knapsack sprayer were given to the organization. 

The group expressed its appreciation for the modest award because it significantly aided them in making it easier to prepare 

organic mixtures. The usage of the crates helped them handle their products by lowering postharvest losses. 

Farmers have always had difficulties in the market, but the organization overcame even that during the pandemic. In 2020, they joined the DA's KADIWA program, where they frequently sold and transported their goods to adjacent barangays. 

Even with the difficulties of the time, they were pushed to produce by the constant market at the height of the pandemic. The group, determined to realize its vision, rented a place where its members could get together frequently.

Ways Forward

From 2010 to 2018, LASOVEGA's production was seen as being on a small scale. The organization has however set its sights on going commercial scale by increasing its production area from five (5) hectares in 2010 to 17.5 hectares in 2021 after the Agriculture Forestry Fishery (AFF) enterprise clustering training. 

In 2022, LASOVEGA became one of the Agricultural Training Institute's (ATI) Learning Sites for Agriculture (LSA) in the region. 

The group wants to be able to communicate and impart useful agricultural technologies and farm management techniques to other individuals who are inclined to agriculture. 

Furthermore, the organization wants to upgrade to an agricultural school by 2024, which will require more investments. 

Daguplo claims that the idea is really ambitious. Nevertheless, it is essential because dreams are what motivate every firm.

If other farmers' associations start to view the issues as obstacles that must be conquered, then LASOVEGA's tale may also serve as a lesson for all organizations.