DA partners with private sector to ramp up implementation of urban, peri-urban agri nationwide
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has forged a partnership with three private entities to ramp up the nationwide implementation of the Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program which promotes sustainable crop production and accessible and affordable goods for communities.

A memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed by DA Sec. William Dar, Urban Farmers Sustainability Concepts Organization Inc., the Urban Greens, and the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction last Wednesday, Feb. 16, to start the project.
Under the partnership, Dar said that the DA and the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) will provide starter kits (with common vegetable seeds, and soil), polyethylene bags for plants, technical assistance, and an urban agriculture module to the beneficiaries.
“DA will utilize the barangay, community, school, university, and public office gardens as venues for hands-on training to showcase various urban agriculture techniques,” he said.
The Urban Farmers Sustainability Concepts Organization Inc. is building a community farm in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) to support poor communities. The group’s proposal won first place in Denmark at Copenhagen Business School’s “#impaktwise Awards” for innovative solutions that may benefit locals.
On the other hand, Urban Greens, an indoor farm in Makati, aims to produce cleaner and fresher greens through hydroponic system.
“We are delighted that the group has organized in such a way that we can work together. The more you are, the better. The challenge for Metro Manila is huge, and with you spearheading the Urban Agriculture program, we are sure that others will follow,” Dar said.
“We will continue to work with you and give guidance every step of the way. We know that you are professional, and you have that tenacity and passion to put up and use up technologies with the best you could. It is very important to have young professionals like you in this program,” he added.