The upcoming Davao Agri-Trade Expo (DATE) will go digital as it launches an online exhibition that will help promote local products and create linkages and partnerships between Filipino and international agricultural stakeholders.

In a statement Thursday, the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) described the September 22 event as one of the biggest and longest-running agri-business exposition in Southern Philippines,

John Carlo Tria, president of DCCCII, said they have decided to launch DATE as an online platform to inspire many agribusiness enterprises to join the digital economy.

“This will help them enter and thrive in the new normal. Farmers and agribusiness enterprises will be boosted,” Tria said.

Aside from the online exhibition, DATE will also feature a series of online forums and seminars that will provide updates on the latest trends and technologies, market access, and supply chain management of different commodities.

Tria said the online seminar serves as continuous capacity building and skills enhancement training for those who are in the agribusiness sector, as well as a venue for the public and private sectors to discuss and identify emerging issues and concerns in the Philippine agricultural sector.

Meanwhile, DATE 2020 chairperson Cherrylin Casuga said the virtual exhibit will highlight Mindanao agricultural products such as cocoa, coffee, coconut, corn cassava, rice, and banana, as well as livestock and marine products.

“This will also showcase technologies, new trends, logistics, and new allied services for the agribusiness sector. Department of Agriculture Sec. William Dar will grace the launch of the online platform,” Casuga said.

DATE is an annual event organized by the DCCCII that aims to create innovative and economically viable opportunities to strengthen agribusiness as well as reinforce collaborations between the government and the private sector for the development of the agriculture sector. (PNA)