At least 24 exhibitors from the various farmers’ associations and partner-agencies in Negros Occidental are selling agricultural produce and other items at the week-long RNegros Farmers Fair that kicked off at Robinsons Bacolod on Monday.

The annual event for locally sourced products is the mall management’s collaboration with the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) and the Department of Agriculture-Negros Island Region (DA-NIR).

In his message, DAR-NIR Regional Technical Director for Operations Alejandro Rafal said the RNegros Farmers Fair is a meaningful celebration of local enterprise and agricultural pride as he lauded the Negros Occidental provincial government and Robinsons Bacolod for supporting Negrense farmers and agripreneurs.

“This is a testament to the strength and creativity of our local farmers and agripreneurs, particularly our farmers’ cooperatives and associations, who are resilient, resourceful, and ready to take part in the growing movement toward local sourcing and sustainable markets,” he added.

This year’s exhibitors are the Rural Improvement Club Women Entrepreneurs Association, Kumaliskis Integrated Social Forestry Farmer Association, Association of Young Agripreneurs in Negros, Pandanon Integrated Upland Small Farmers Association, Mailum Organic Village Association, Kabankalan City Young Farmers and Fisherfolk Association, and Murcia Integrated Mushroom Growers Association.

Also participating are the Kalibutan Society Inc., Association of Women for Agrarian Reform Development and Empowerment, Damayan ng Manggagawa, Magsasaka, Mangingisda ng Bansa, Negros Occidental Vegetable Farmers Association, Victorias Organic Farmers Association, Victorias Macrame/Segura Arts and Crafts, Cadiz City Association of Business Small Medium Entrepreneur, and Negsancar Cavendish Banana Multicrops Farmers Association.

Partner-agencies with display booths include the DA-NIR, Negros Occidental OPA and Technology Livelihood and Development Center, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Department of Social Welfare and Development-Sustainable Livelihood Program, and Department of Agrarian Reform.

Started in 2021, the RNegros Farmers Fair has already benefited about 6,000 farmers and fisherfolk in Negros Occidental by promoting their agricultural products and empowering them through direct market exposure. (PNA)