The DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute, in partnership with the Bureau of Plant Industry – National Seed Quality Control Services, DA-Regional Field Office, and Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) Negros Occidental, conducted a specialized course on organization building and strengthening of seed growers in Negros Occidental last July of 2022.

This specialized course aims to enhance their managerial and organizational skills to ensure the sustainability of high-quality seeds delivered on time–Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund 
(RCEF) Seed Distribution is one of the vital components of the Rice Tarrification Law; thus, it is essential that seed suppliers are cohesive and well-organized. This 3-day training comprises handling conflict and understanding the significance of mind-setting and values formation.

Also, as part of strengthening seed growers, DA-PhilRice teamed up with the Antique Federation of Cooperatives and OPA-Antique to rebuild one of the seed growers group in Antique, the Antique Seed Growers Multi-purpose Cooperative, which to be renamed to Biniyaran Seed Growers Marketing Cooperative. Its strategic planning and meetings held in San Jose, Antique, involved visioning exercises and SWOT analysis.

This effort to strengthen farmers’ organization is being done to promote production of high-quality seeds for our rice farmers.
(DA-PhilRice Negros, FB)