In an effort to strengthen sustainable agricultural practices, a recent alliance between the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB), Centre de Cooperacion Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Development (CIRAD), and local agricultural institutions. This collaboration aims to propel the nation towards a more sustainable agricultural future.
On March 27, 2024, a team comprising French scientists Jean Gerard and Patrick Langbour from CIRAD, accompanied by UPLB faculty members Fernando O. Paras Jr. and Sharon Dell B. Paras, initiated a benchmarking expedition across various Philippine research hubs. In line with this is their mission to explore avenues for collaboration, exchange knowledge, and foster sustainable agricultural development.
In collaboration with the different sustainable agricultural sectors like Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (BAPTC), Centre for International Cooperation in Agricultural Research for Development (CIRAD), a French agricultural research and international cooperation organization for the Sustainable development of tropical and Mediterranean regions, is collaboratively shaping knowledge and solutions for resilient agriculture and cohesive global community.
Through the mobilization of science, innovation, and training, CIRAD is dedicated to achieving sustainable development goals, leveraging its expertise to benefit diverse stakeholders, including producers and policymakers. Its mission encompasses promoting biodiversity conservation, facilitating agroecological transitions, ensuring the sustainability of food systems, and fostering rural sustainable development.
During their visit, the itinerary included an in-depth tour of the Benguet Agricultural Product Testing Center (BAPTC) and the well-known BSU Strawberry Farm. BAPTC’s Human Resource Officer, Mildred Licangan, explained, “The visitors discussed the current challenges faced by farmers, specifically the issue of vegetable trimmings, also known as backload. The conversation focused on how experts can collaborate to convert this biodegradable waste into solutions that benefit both local farmers and the environment. Both experts also tackled the conversion of biodegradable waste materials into bio-gas, a renewable energy source that promotes a sustainable environment.
“This benchmarking activity is valuable for knowledge sharing, particularly among sectors with similar goals. By witnessing BAPTC’s and the farmers’ first-hand experiences, the visit becomes even more meaningful for the participants.β Licangan added. When asked about BAPTC’s openness to such collaborations, Licangan expressed their enthusiasm: “We see these activities as opportunities to support both farmers and stakeholders in Benguet.” Hence, this collaborative effort serves as a powerful model for achieving sustainable agriculture in the Philippines, ensuring a brighter future for farmers and the environment.//Pamela I. Pay-oen