To continuously strengthen trade prospects for agricultural sellers and buyers, the Department of Agriculture Cordillera (DA-CAR) once again participated in the World Food Expo (WOFEX) 2024, showcasing the incredible innovations and products from Young Farmers Challenge Awardees and agri-based Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from the Cordillera Region at the World Trade Center and SMX Convention Center from July 31st to August 1st this year.
Yllin Gapad, Marketing Specialist-1 of the Agriculture and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) of DA-CAR explained the yearly activity of WOFEX producer and MSMEs to the Business-to-Business (B2B) market and provide a platform for connections and growth for the industry as a whole.
“Aside from the B2B, the participants underwent forums on benchmarking, heirloom rice partnership with regional field offices of DA-CAR and the Department of Trade and Industry as part of WOFEX’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Program, WOFEX B2B, and privately supported by the Food and Beverage Industry,” Gapad said.
For the Cordillera region, BJATA, MGAPA, BOSIGAN, Atok GAP, Liang-Bonglo and Heirloom Rice Farmers cooperatives and Association (FCA), and two FCAs from the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) participated in the said event.
DA-CAR was tasked to speak on the challenges of bringing the Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) for farmers to the market, aside from hosting a meeting on Heirloom rice with the aim of utilizing the marketable varieties of heirloom rice utilizing ingredients from partners and regions to undertaken through the pilot program with Regions 1, 2, and the Cordillera Administrative Region.
DA-CAR Regional Executive Director Atty. Jennilyn Dawayan extended the departments appreciation for the support shown by the Farmers Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) who attended the 24th World Food Expo.
“We hope that through market linkage between the Farmers Cooperatives and Associations with the Chefs following their product requirememts and specifications, we will continue to strengthen this collaboration together with WOFEX as partners and potential markets of the FCAs,” Dawayan added.
WOFEX invites leading industry suppliers yearly at the largest event for the food industry in the country to network with professionals, discover new products and trends, and gain valuable insights to stay ahead in the ever-evolving culinary world.
For more than 20 years, the World Food Expo is the biggest and most effective food trade show in the Philippines and consistently has been the most attended and most awaited food and hospitality event.
WOFEX also showcases the best of the food and hospitality industry, offer opportunities for continued education, stage the only local WACS-accredited culinary competition – the Philippine Culinary Cupm, and provide the perfect venue for an exchange of ideas, services and entrepreneurial insights.** JTLlanes
