In a bid to bolster the capabilities of urban farmers and enrich their knowledge on the pivotal role of sugar concentrates in food processing, the second batch of "Seminar on Urban Agriculture Along the Value Chain" took place yesterday at the Agricultural Training Institute - Cordillera Administrative Region (ATI-CAR) in La Trinidad, Benguet.
The event, organized under the National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP), aimed to equip participants with comprehensive insights into the utilization of sugar concentrates and their integration into various food processing practices. Participants, including representatives from the Sustainable Livelihood Program Association (SLPA) organized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), as well as members from the Community Urban Agriculture Model Farms (CUAMFs) such as the Baengan Farmers Association, Granjeroros de Oeste, Lower Lucnab Community Organization, and Kadaclan Village Association, alongside other farmers from La Trinidad and Baguio City, attended the one-day activity.
Conducted by the Agricultural Training Institute - Cordillera Administrative Region (ATI-CAR), the training session delved into diverse processing techniques, focusing particularly on the transformation of tomatoes into an array of products including jam, ketchup, wine, and vinegar. By elucidating the methodologies and nuances involved in the processing of these food items, the seminar aimed to empower participants to harness sugar concentrates effectively in their agricultural endeavors.
The initiative underscores a concerted effort to enhance the sustainability and productivity of urban agriculture, particularly in regions like Benguet, where agriculture plays a pivotal role in the local economy. By equipping farmers with the requisite knowledge and skills, such initiatives not only foster economic resilience but also contribute towards food security and self-sufficiency.
As urban agriculture continues to gain traction as a sustainable solution to food security challenges, initiatives such as the "Seminars on Urban Agriculture Along the Value Chain" serve as crucial catalysts in empowering farmers and fostering agricultural resilience in urban settings.
The seminar happened in April 11, 2024 at the ATI-RTC-CAR grounds with 30 participants.
