Ushering the new year, Agriculture Secretary William Dar reported the plans and programs of the Department of Agriculture (DA) in the coming months, including medium- and long-terms, during a press conference on January 3, 2020.

Dar issued Administrative Order No. 1, Series of 2020 establishing the policy framework and strategies for inclusive agri-industrialization and “new thinking for agriculture.”

CULION, Palawan—To strengthen the implementation of the initiatives and strategies for the different agricultural sub-sectors, banner program coordinators from the Agricultural Training Institute’s (ATI) network convened to develop plans for 2021.

DILIMAN, Quezon City—To help communicate alternative and scientific means in improving farm productivity, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) partnered with the Biotechnology Coalition of the Philippines for a training program on biotechnology.

PASAY CITY, Metro Manila—In continuous recognition to the outstanding efforts and contributions in the agriculture and fisheries sector, the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) awarded 20 farmers, researchers, farmers’ associations, and agricultural institutions during the 48th Gawad Saka Awards.

Eleven individuals under the crops, fisheries, livestock, and research categories were given trophies, certificates, and cash prizes. Nine institutions from different parts of the country were also given recognition.

DILIMAN, Quezon City—As part of the Food Safety Core Group of the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) took part in the observance of Food Safety Awareness Week to further create public awareness on food safety standards.

This was also pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 160, series of 1999 declaring the last week of October every year as Food Safety Awareness Week.

During the opening program, DA Secretary William Dar stressed the need for developmental food safety measures.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) is now on the drawing board for the development of a Youth Agri-Entrepreneurship Program, which aims to encourage the Filipino youth to venture into agriculture.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar, announced during a meeting with the local chief executives of Bicol, that the DA through ATI, will allocate funds to support young farmers to develop their own agricultural enterprise.