LOS BAÑOS, Laguna - Intiated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Farm Business School (FBS) is an avenue that brings farmers together to discuss and address business and marketing problems and opportunities. Additionally, the project aims to develop the farmers' skills to produce more profitably for the market.

Guided by its commitment to contribute in the institutionalization of FBS in the country, the Agricultural Training Institute Region IV-A, in partnership with Villar SIPAG Foundation spearheaded the Training of Trainers (ToT) on FBS. The training aimed to equip the farmer leaders, farm owners and agricultural cooperative members with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitude for the establishment of FBS in their localities. 28 participants graduated in this second batch of ToT.

Aside from the core concept of FBS, also discussed were Farm Business Taxation, Farm School Establishment and Updates of Cooperative Development. These were handled by experts from BIR, TESDA and CDA, respectively. Meanwhile, the ATI IV-A staff covered topics on Market Survey and Benchmarking, Facilitation and Presentation Skills, Leadership Skills and ASEAN & Climate-Change concepts.

Chairperson of Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, Senator Cynthia A. Villar addressed the participants during the graduation ceremony at Villar SIPAG Farm School in Bacoor, Cavite.

"I hope this training has equipped you with entrepreneurial knowledge so that you can increase your income potential. You are not farmers, you are businessmen," she stressed.

The ToT on FBS was held on May 7 - 13, 2018 (Phase I), and May 15-17, 2018 (Phase II) in this city.

With reports from Mr. Ric Jason T. Areza