Quirino’s Diffun and Saranay Development Coops are among the 50 FCAs interviewed on farmers’ situations and needs.
To further understand their situation and determine the specific needs of farmer cooperatives and associations (FCAs) for capacity development, assistance, and support, the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) program started conducting in June-July focused group discussions (FGD) with 120 identified FCAs nationwide.
The results were assessed and validated by the DA-Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PHilMech).
Fifty Luzon-based FCAs have gone through the FGD led by DA-PhilRice, with support from DA-PHilMech, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and LandBank of the Philippines (LBP).
The needs assessment analysis is part of the RCEF strategic midterm implementation under the convergence plan. FCAs are participating in the four components of RCEF: seed, mechanization, credit, and extension. Farmers are expected to become more productive and competitive through the components.
Partner-agencies in RCEF implementation will use the results to enhance the current programs.
