To further enhance and improve the production and income of corn farmers, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is launching a “clustering” initiative, grouping these farmers together.

The DA said this step aims to expedite and simplify the delivery of assistance and services from the government to the formed corn farmer groups.

“Whenever these groups need support, we will coordinate with the appropriate agencies to assist them,” said Roseanne Nilo, Media Production Specialist of Agricultural Training Institute Mimaropa.

The DA is currently conducting a training of trainers in the town of Magsaysay. Those undergoing the training are Agricultural Extension Workers (AEW) from various parts of the province. They are designated to lead the organization of corn farmer groups.

Despite the challenges that AEWs or field technicians might face in forming associations, Nilo gave assurances that this initiative would be greatly beneficial to the farmers.

She also said that through clustering, it will also be easier for each AEW to monitor corn farmers from a single location.

The DA aims for farmers to have centralized attention on a particular product to promote its growth.

It also plans to educate farmers about avoiding dependency on traders. Instead, the department wishes to help them find direct clients to further increase their income.

The DA recognizes the province as the largest corn producer in the entire Mimaropa region.