An investment guide for prospective agricultural entrepreneurs published by the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) and the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) was launched last August 30 at the 14th Agriculture and Fisheries Technology Forum and Product Exhibition held in SM Megamall.
DA-BAR leads and coordinates research and development (R&D) on agriculture and fisheries in the country.
On the other hand, Philippine government-hosted SEARCA is a regional treaty organization that promotes inclusive and sustainable agricultural and rural development through graduate education and institutional development, R&D, and knowledge management. It has been a long-time partner of DA-BAR in research, capacity building, and knowledge management projects.
Titled "Financial Viability and Profitability Analysis of New Technologies and Enterprises: A Training Manual," the publication aims to help identify high-value crop ventures.
The manual will help farmers and investors determine profitability by providing a guide in evaluating costs and returns of target ventures.
"We believe that given the right opportunities, training, and innovations, farmers and fishers can be 'agripreneurs'," DA-BAR Executive Director Nicomedes Eleazar said.
He added that DA-BAR will continue disseminating its research results so the public use the information to improve agricultural and fisheries output and encourage them to engage in "agripreneurship".
This was affirmed by Senator Cynthia Villar, Senate Food and Agriculture Committee Chair, who said it is important to create technologies and systems that can reach intended beneficiaries and further improve the performance of Philippine agriculture and fisheries.
Copies of the investment guide may be availed from the DA-BAR.