For farmers, producing crops or raising livestock is only the first step. The bigger challenge comes after: finding buyers, earning from what they produce, and keeping the livelihood going.
Production and management are only part of the first stages of establishing a successful business. The bigger challenge comes later: finding buyers, earning from their products, and sustaining their livelihoods. These were among the concerns tackled during the Information Caravan on Agribusiness Opportunities last September 15, 2026, at Virac, Catanduanes.
21 farmers’ associations (FAs) under the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Phase 2 in Catanduanes participated in the event, hoping to learn how to connect with buyers and understand the brass tacks of entrepreneurship.
Conducted by the DA Regional Field Office 5, through the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), the activity gathered SAAD-assisted FAs from Bagamanoc, Baras, Bato, San Miguel, Viga, Panganiban, and Gigmoto, who are engaged in poultry, high-value crop (HVC), and organic agriculture production.
With their livelihood projects already in place, the forum introduced the farmers to opportunities they can explore to take their projects beyond production. One topic discussed was Republic Act No. 11321, or the Sagip Saka Act. The farmers learned about negotiated procurement, which gives accredited farmers’ and fisherfolk organizations opportunities to directly supply agricultural products to government agencies.
The discussion also covered the Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Information System (FFEDIS) and how registration can help qualified farmer groups join the government’s enterprise development efforts. Knowing these options can open new markets for farmers’ products. It also gives them a better idea of what they need to prepare if they want to tap opportunities outside the assistance they currently receive.
The KADIWA Financial Grant Assistance Program was also presented to the participants as another support they may explore to further develop their livelihood projects.
For Maria Corazon, a member of the Abihao Organic Farmers Association, the forum was another chance for their group to build on what they have learned since becoming part of SAAD.
“Nagpapasalamat po kami sa alog kaining opportunity ta padagos ang samong mga nanud-an. Para padagos mi man na mataguyod an SAAD Program,” Corazon said.
(We are thankful for the opportunity to gain more knowledge on marketing discussions. This will help us improve our interventions from the SAAD Program.)
The forum also touched on improving production. Julie Ann Lopez of the Provincial Agricultural Services Office (PASO) Catanduanes discussed cultural management practices for different vegetables, giving the farmers practical information they can use in their own farms.
Before the forum started, the DA Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED) separately conducted an Operation and Maintenance Training on Sack Sewing Machines for seven SAAD-assisted associations under organic agriculture. Since the beneficiaries were already gathered at the venue, the training was conducted ahead of the main program, teaching them how to properly operate and maintain the equipment.
Through its Marketing Assistance and Enterprise Development (MAED) component, SAAD continues to provide opportunities for its farmer groups to markets and other programs that can help them take the next step: from simply producing to building livelihoods they can sustain over time. ###
