As part of the livelihood enterprise granted by the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program, 15 women members of TYFA underwent Peanut Value-Adding Training from February 22 to 24, 2024.

The said training aims to capacitate TYFA members in processing and transforming peanut into various products, which will ultimately increase its market value, and in return, help the farmers earn considerably higher than selling conventional peanut products.

In partnership with Greenminds Incorporated and Camiguin Polytechnic State College, the SAAD-assisted farmers were trained on peanut processing from cooking, labeling, packaging and costing. 

Evelyn Macabaya, TYFA secretary said the training enables their association to diversify their products, make new markets, and potentially increase the association’s income.

“We would apply the acquired skills to process peanuts into value-added products such as roasted peanut, chili peanut, sugar-coated peanuts, peanut kisses and other peanut-related products,” said Macabaya. 

To assist TYFA in selling and promoting their products, SAAD strategically orchestrated a consignment deal between TYFA and Pasalubong Centers in Camiguin where the farmer association can display their products. 

Similarly, SAAD has collaborated with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for its recommendation in allowing TYFA to exhibit their peanut products in other display centers in the province. 

Aside from its peanut processing enterprise, TYFA is also a recipient of SAAD’s chicken egg production enterprise. 

The association received their ready-to-lay (RTL) chicken in the 3rd quarter of last year, which has produced 19 trays of eggs per day since it started. TYFA earns roughly Php 4,600/day for selling eggs in their neighborhood. 

The TYFA is an association of marginal farmers residing in a 5th class town with high poverty incidence. The association was chosen as SAAD beneficiary in its locality to uplift the local farmers’ livelihood through the grant of agricultural enterprise projects. 

As a starting association, the TYFA is being guided by SAAD and its partner government and private organizations in managing their projects to be a viable source of living. 

As a foundational step in helping TYFA create a sustainable community-based enterprise, SAAD is attuned on conducting capacity building activities focused on organizational strengthening, product development, and market networking. ###

 
Writer: Azbie Talib, DA-RAFIS 10 Information Officer