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The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) presented the Balanced Fertilization Strategies (BFS) during the OneDA virtual meeting on January 25, 2022.

 

With the concern on the rising fertilizer prices, the FPA recommends and encourages BFS to alleviate the suffering of local farmers. The legal basis of the program is the Proclamation No. 1071 s. 1997 signed by Pres. Fidel Ramos authorizing the DA and its instrumentalities to adopt the BFS. FPA Deputy Director for Fertilizer, Dr. Myer Mula, explained that the BFS would help in:

 

• Reducing dependency on the use of traditional fertilizers;
• Improving soil fertility and structure through appropriate combination of inorganic and organic fertilizers; and
• Encouraging local manufacturers to resort on non-traditional fertilizers.

He also presented the activities assigned to each concerned agencies and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) which will be consolidated by the Bureau of Soil and Water Management (BSWM). These consolidated programs will be laid in a road map and will be included in OneDA’s operations manual.

 

Furthermore, the FPA created a Technical Working Group (TWG) which will arrange policy guidelines and directives, oversee the management of BFS programs, and assess the impact of BFS on crop production, fertilizer use and availability, and market price. The TWG shall also be in charge of the promotion, coordination, and establishment of networks, linkages, and partnerships with other agencies, institutions, and stakeholders. The FPA-TWG was also divided into three sub-committees: Fertilizer Watch System, Data Management, and Education and Training.

 

The Fertilizer Watch System sub-committee will be leading in monitoring fertilizer use, data collection on sales, inventory, prices, supply, and demand. They will also assist in data analysis for planning and dissemination to concerned stakeholders, as well as to inspect fertilizer quality.

 

The Data Management sub-committee will create, maintain, and update a centralized database for all farmers and farmer cooperatives practicing BFS. They will also be managing the website and social media accounts for promotion, updates, and transparency of the program. They will also be in charge of recording and documentation of BFS-related programs.

 

The Education and Training sub-committee will be responsible for conducting training and training-related activities to farmers, farmer cooperatives, and other stakeholders on the BFS Program. They shall also be the principal source of publication and articles on BFS to be spread via social media and print.

 

These initiatives are to bolster the holistic approach of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the OneDA in servicing the Filipino agricultural community and secure the food industry of the country. ###

 

BENGUET, January 21, 2022 – In partnership with the Cordillera Agricultural Research and Extension Organization (CAREO), ATI-CAR, and LGU Buguias, Benguet, FPA-CAR trained eighty-one (81) field personnel of various agrochemical companies on Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) of Fertilizers and Pesticides on January 18 to 21, 2022.

 

The first batch of trainees was conducted on January 18-19 at Aspulan Hall, ATI-CAR, BSU Compound, La Trinidad, Benguet with forty-three (43) participants. Ms. Cristine B. Esnara of ATI-CAR presented the act regarding food safety. While the second batch of thirty-eight (38) participants was briefed on the food safety act by Buguias Municipal Agriculturist Delfin Rufino at JEA’s Building, Loo, Buguias, Benguet on January 20-21.

 

Other speakers are Mr. Juan Miguel, Jr of Farmfix who discussed fertilizer and pesticide trends and scenarios, and Mr. Jake Bulcio of Syngenta Phils. who shared insights on pesticide mode of actions. In addition, FPA-CAR Regional Officer Rogelio B. Tanguid and Provincial Officer Rowena F. Billig handled the main topics of ASD.

 

The CAREO officers led by their president Willy Bacagan had organized their members to attend such training in line with their functions as stewards of farm inputs by their respective companies in their areas of assignment within CAR areas. It is in the best interest of the agro-chemical field personnel to educate their client-farmers on the safe and effective use of their respective products.

 

The CAREO committed to assisting the government entities in performing their duties and functions, especially FPA-CAR, and being advocates of good agricultural practices.

 

Other members of the CAREO and field personnel of agrochemical companies will be accommodated on the next ASD training to be conducted within the year. ###

 

 

QUEZON CITY, January 20, 2022 – The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority-Fertilizer Regulations Division (FPA-FRD) central office gathered its regional field units (RFUs) to explore ways on improving regulatory policies and processes through an online refresher course and walk-through of the right processes guided by the mandate of the division.

 

The assembly was called to harmonize regulatory processes by the FRD reiterating correct implementation of procedures on the Issuance of Certificate of Product Registration (CPR) and License to Operate (LTO) for Fertilizer Handlers, Warehouse Registration, Experimental Use Permit (EUP), and Confirmatory Analysis, and other certificates. These regulatory documents ensure the Agency’s clientele and the agricultural sector of adequate supply at reasonable prices and rationalize the manufacture and marketing of fertilizer.

 

Discussions of different issues and concerns and the presentation of the approved memorandum for the schedule of audit on RFUs were also part of the agenda. FRD shall perform an audit to ensure that the field units’ delivery of services is compliant with P.D. 1144, its IRR, and ISO 9001:2015 Standards.

 

The participants also addressed issues on confirmatory analysis which validates and guarantees content claim of fertilizer by the applicants. In the discussion led by Ms. Sierlene Binobo of the FRD, confirmatory analysis is the first requirement for product registration. The evaluation of the laboratory test results is based on the certificate of analysis submitted by the applicant where the product specification is indicated. The conduct of laboratory analysis is performed by either the FPA-Laboratory Services Division or any of the FPA-Recognized Laboratories.

 

Dr. Mula pointed out the increasing demand for confirmatory analysis accommodated by only five FPA-Recognized Laboratories resulting in delays on the test results release. In response, the FPA will encourage more laboratories capable of fertilizer analysis to undergo the FPA laboratory recognition process and partner up in conducting needed tests.

 

The FRD was urged to standardize the monitoring form for the evaluation of bioefficacy trial to be used upon the approval of Experimental Use Permit. This will improve RFU’s checking routine during the conduct of bioefficacy trial which will be endorsed to the FPA-FRD as part of the requirement for product registration.

 

Further, considering to allow licensed institutional users to hire accredited researchers that are affiliated to them in conducting their bioefficacy trials is noteworthy because the institutional use of the product countering the risk of bias posed is prohibited in the current practice. Another major concern raised was the need for an official guideline on the certification of wastewater reuse for fertilization which will be provided by the FRD.

 

Dr. Mula called to improve the existing application forms for all the processes surrounding the fertilizer regulations as an initial step to enhance the effectiveness of the FPA guided with regulatory policies, he added.

 

On market monitoring concerns, a formulation of guideline on price tagging of fertilizers at the dealer’s stores was also raised. To ensure transparency with the consumers, the FPA – Field Operations Coordinating Unit (FOCU) will prepare the guideline in coordination with Atty. Pabalate. It will also reinforce monitoring of price and supply activities to protect the public from over-pricing amid the global price increases.

 

The division, while by the nature of its function is conducting a weekly price and supply monitoring, is now coordinating with the Department of Agriculture (DA) Bantay Presyo Program as part of the One-DA Approach and call to protect the welfare of the consumers. Further, the FRD and FPA-RFUs will conduct public information campaigns using the official FPA and respective RFUs’ social media accounts and intensify the agency’s program to prevent the public from patronizing unregistered fertilizer products circulating in the market.

 

Observing current restrictions due to the pandemic, the meeting took place via Zoom in January 11-12, officiated by the FPA central office, and participated by Deputy Executive Director for Fertilizer Dr. Myer G. Mula, Atty. Janel Pabalate, Legal Counsel, FRD Chief Ms. Julieta B. Lansangan, Ms. Maribel M. Querijero, Mr.  Marlo Deblois, Mr. Jesson E. Garcia, Ms. Jane Apostol, Ms.  Sierlene Binobo, and Mr. Mike P. Cuento and Mr. Mark Kevin Salita. The RFUs were represented by the respective regional and provincial officers per region. ###

 

 

Sources: 

Julieta B. Lansangan, Chief, Fertilizer Regulations Division (FRD)

FPA-FRD and RFU Meeting, January 11-12, 2022

 

 

 

QUEZON CITY, January 19, 2022 – The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) and FPA Accredited Training Association (FATA) conducted an evaluation on the educational and training programs seeking to recognize professionals in the fertilizer and pesticide fields. 

FPA and FATA remain in unison in their commitment to providing sound and relevant agricultural training programs, as exhibited in the virtual assembly and singing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on January 19, 2022.

 

FATA is FPA’s partner in educating the agricultural sector in the use of fertilizer, pesticides, and other agricultural chemicals. They create manuals and modules, provide materials, manage the conduct of training and symposium, evaluate participants’ performance, and coordinate with the FPA on complementary training opportunities and initiatives.

 

The meeting was graced by FATA members: Pest Management Council of the Philippines Foundations, Inc (PMPCPFI), Philippine Association of Certified Pesticide Applicators (PACPA), Philippine Association of Entomologists, Inc. (PAE), Philippine Association of Professional Fumigators, Inc (PAPFI), and the Kapisanan ng mga Pest Control Operators sa Pilipinas (KAPESTCOPI). These organizations composed of professionals in the field of fertilizer and pesticide industry gathered to advance educational programs for practitioners to secure quality and judicious circulation and use of fertilizers and pesticides in the country.

 

In 2021, FATA conducted 20 training sessions benefitting 670 individuals seeking certification as recognized practitioners in the field. However, 80.45% or 539 examinees took the exams for certification of pesticide applicator certification, and accreditation of care officers (Table 1).  Results revealed that individuals who took the tests, 433 (80.33%) passed and were provided with licenses as Agri Certified Pesticide Applicators (CPA) – Fumigators, Agri CPA-Exterminators, Accredited Responsible Care Officers (ARCO), and Fertilizer and Pesticide (F/P) Researchers.

Table 1. Training conducted and exam participants count by the FATA

While the passing rate of professionals is high, those that are considered for removal can retake the exam within a year after the release of the result. Examination dates can vary depending on the current health restrictions and the schedule FPA-RFUs, who conduct the said activity,

 

Despite the limitations on mobility and improvised learning setup, FATA spearheaded 16 symposiums on new regulations set by FPA and pest control and management (Table 2). These initiatives are aimed at discussing the pest management situation in the Philippines and the programs created by the FPA and the Department of Agriculture concerning the usage of agricultural chemicals which benefitted 1,269 researchers, care officers, and applicators. 

Table 2. Symposiums and participant count of FATA

What to expect in 2022

Practitioners can expect continued training from the FATA on Agricultural CPA-Fumigation and Extermination, ARCO, and F/P Research scattered throughout the year. Schedule of training may be accessed on the FPA website. ###

 

Sources:

Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority. Memorandum Circular No. 3: Guidelines in the Accreditation of Training Association. July 16, 2019.

FATA and FPA Annual Meeting on January 19, 2021

QUEZON CITY, January 18, 2022 – The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), and the Bureau of Soil and Water Management (BSWM) convened to discuss inter-agency initiatives on the implementation of the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) Program.

 

To address problems on land degradation and decline in soil fertility, and to aid in the fertilizer price increase through adjustments in the cropping and management systems in farming, the Department of Agriculture (DA) agencies, in tandem with State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) will implement the BFS Program.

 

The BFS pushes for the use of combined organic and inorganic inputs and other forms of strategy (i.e. cover cropping, individual farmer soil fertility map, improve cropping system etc.) to attain the maximum potential of farmlands while maintaining soil fertility and promoting balanced fertilization. According to Deputy Executive Director for Fertilizer, Dr. Myer G. Mula, the strategy is also a climate-smart adaptation taking into consideration the concept of 4 Rs: Right Nutrient, Right Quantity, Right Method, and Right Time. The concept of balanced fertilization is the key to enhancing the efficient use of nutrients for soil and crop productivity by maintaining soil health and fertility.

 

Each agency presented their action plans on the implementation of the BFS, with ATI on the Integrated Nutrient Management presented by Ms. Nemielynn Pangilinan, BSWM’s Adaptive Balanced Fertilization Management Program for Sustainable Rice Production discussed by Assistant Director Gina Nilo, and FPA’s initiatives and BFS meeting related updates presented by Ms. Maribel Querijero. Likewise, possible collaborations between said agencies are anticipated.

 

The primary Balanced Fertilization Strategy – Technical Working Committee (BFS-TWC) will be formed and composed by DA concerned agencies and SUCs with expertise in agriculture as members and collaborators for the successful implementation of the program.

 

The BFS-TWC will be spearheaded by the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) as Chair and the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) as Co-Chair. Members of the TWC will come from concerned institutions and agencies performing specific functions:

• State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) for capacity building on research and extension related to soil science, crop production, farming systems
• FPA for information on registered and regulated fertilizer products with details on 4Rs on nutrient management
• ATI for education and training initiatives on balanced fertilizer use strategy
• Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) for research on balanced fertilizer strategy
• Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE) for the design and inspection of machinery and manufacturing plants for local fertilizer, and farm systems
• Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS) for the standards and organic fertilizer products/organic agriculture
• Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) for concerns on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Food Safety
• BSWM for BFS application, soil fertility mapping by region and per beneficiary, and soil testing and
• Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) for animal wastes for fertilizer production/manufacture

Through the BSWM, a road map for BFS Program should be prepared by consolidating all bureaus and institutes functions to come up with one operation manual. The online meeting was held on January 12, 2022, via Zoom.

 

With the creation of the BFS-TWC, the focus on initiatives in the seamless implementation of the program will be prioritized by each agency and partner through the creation of their own Technical Working Group (TWG). Setting and recommendations of standards, policy options relative to fertilizer watch system, quality and quantity assurance of fertilizers use, access, and market price, and educational campaign emphasizing the value of BFS are in the pipeline of BFS activities. ###

BENGUET, January 7, 2022 – The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Region CAR witnessed the hauling of 6.5tons of empty pesticide containers on January 7, 2022, at Caponga, Tublay, Benguet. The hauling was spearheaded by the PLGU of Benguet and Croplife Philippines, Inc (CLP, Inc,).

 

The containers were collected from the farmers of Benguet, Bauko, Mt. Province, and Tinoc, Ifugao through the clean-up drives and regular product stewardships conducted from 2019 to 2021 of various agrochemical companies, in cooperation with dealers, distributors, and local government units of Benguet.

 

The empty pesticide containers (EPCs) are considered hazardous wastes as indicated in R.A. 6969, with the waste code and description as containers previously containing toxic chemical substances (J201). It was also stipulated in the FPA’s green book or Pesticide Regulatory Implementing Rules and Regulations that the management of the empty pesticide containers is a shared responsibility by all stakeholders, following the rules of the DENR-EMB.

 

Responsible stakeholders in the proper disposal of empty pesticide containers pertain most especially the end-users who are the farmers being the generator of the EPC wastes. In the case of Benguet province, the PLGU applied as the waste generator catering to the farmers entire the province. With the aid of the CLP, Inc., Benguet PLGU was granted by DENR-EMB the Hazardous Waste Generator license.

 

The project was witnessed by the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) of Benguet LGU, Office of the Provincial Agriculture (OPAg) headed by Provincial Agriculturist Lolita Bentres, Provincial Development and Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO), Benguet Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO) headed by Julius Kollin,  Tublay MLGU headed by their Municipal Mayor Armando Lauro, Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA)-CAR, Croplife Philippines, Inc. (CLP, Inc.), and Crop Protection Association of the Philippines (CPAP).

 

This event is the third hauling initiated by PLGU of Benguet and CLP, Inc. The first and second haulings were made in 2018 and 2019 respectively.

QUEZON CITY, January 5, 2022 –  To kickstart the Balanced Fertilizer Strategy (BFS) Program, the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) initiated its very first meeting via Zoom application. Representing FPA were Executive Director Wilfredo Roldan; Deputy Executive Director for Fertilizer Dr. Myer Mula; Ms. Anjaneth Palcutilo; Fertilizer Regulations Division (FRD) Chief Ms. Julieta Lansangan; Supervising Agriculturist Rowena Reyes; Senior Agriculturists Maribel Querijero and Marlo Deblois; Agriculturist II Jesson Garcia; and Agriculturist I Mark Kevin Salita.  The other member agencies were represented as follows: Dr. Rosana Mula, Director (ATI),  Ms. Joeve Calleja (BAFS), Mr. Samuel Fontanilla and Mr. John Leo Gamboa (BPI),  Prof.  Patrick Rocamora (UPLB), Engr. Arjay  Sabasaje (BAFE), and Mr. Alvin Fontanil (BAR).

 

Director Roldan, in his welcome remarks, recognized the FPA group lead by Dr. Myer Mula, as the focal person for FPA-BFS-TWG (Technical Working Group). He then gave a brief background and stated that BFS came about as an instruction from DA Secretary William Dar to mitigate the rising cost of fertilizer. Dir. Roldan emphasized the need for BFS wholistic approach as OneDA reform agenda and achieve mileage on this program to be reported to Secretary Dar in the forthcoming FPA board meeting.

 

Dr. Mula made a brief presentation about the BFS rationale wherein the strategy is a means to address the problems on rising cost of fertilizer, land degradation, and decline in soil fertility through adjustments in the cropping and management systems. The strategy is also a climate smart adaptation taking into consideration the concept of 4 Rs: Right Nutrient, Right Quantity, Right Method and Right Time.  

 

In addition, the roles of SUCs related to agriculture and attached agencies were discussed:

 

1. State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), for capacity building on research and extension  related to soil science, crop production, farming systems;
2. Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), for providing information about registered and regulated products with details on 4Rs on nutrient management;
3. Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), for education and training on balanced fertilizer strategy;
4. Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), for research on balanced fertilizer strategy;
5. Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE), for the design and inspection of machineries and manufacturing plants for local fertilizer, and farm systems;
6. Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS), for standards and organic fertilizer products/organic agriculture;
7. Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), for concerns on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Food Safety;
8. Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM), for BFS application, fertility mapping by region and per beneficiary, soil testing, and among others, and
9. Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), utilizing animal wastes for organic fertilizer production/manufacture.

 

Creation of OneDA TWG

 

During the open forum, it was agreed by the participants that the lead agency or the Chair of the TWG, will be the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) since they have the mandate and technical capabilities as well as the authority to implement the BFS Program. Adopted also is the Co-Chair by the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) due to their research strength, among others. Other Agencies will serve as members of the TWG.

 

Creation of Agencies TWG

 

Each member institution or agency was tasked to come up with their own TWG to develop their Agencies BFS programs, duties and responsibilities. 

 

Ways Forward

 

Other upcoming tangible outputs of the TWG will include the crafting of the BFS Operations Manual, which will be consolidated by BSWM; the standards and recommendations for its implementation; a draft for the fertilizer watch system; and a fertilizer monitoring system for the BFS database.

 

To conclude, Director Roldan thanks all the participants and hoping for the successful implementation of the Program, in pursuit of an improve soil structure, judicious use of fertilizers for food security and resilient Philippines with empowered and prosperous farmers and fisherfolk.

As a way of celebrating another year filled with lessons, accomplishments and memories shared by FPA employees and stakeholders, the agency held its Year-End Program convening all FPA employees from the Central and Regional Office on December 6, 2019 at the FPA Auditorium.

 

“Let us continue to strive hard to provide the best service our stakeholders deserve,” said Executive Wilfredo Roldan while citing the reforms instituted in the organization since he took the FPA leadership. He recognized the efforts by the FPA employees and the industry stakeholders which are integral in the fulfillment of the agency’s mandate.

The industry stakeholders in attendance also expressed their acknowledgement of FPA’s initiatives and current directions as they commit to remain as FPA’s partners in building a strong foundation for the development of the fertilizer and pesticide industry. It comes along with it the social responsbility to educate the farmers and the general public on the safe application of agricultural inputs.

 

During the occassion, the FPA employees travelled back to the past, the present and the future when everyone dressed themselves according to appropriate fashion of their social generation: Millenials (29 y/o and below)- past, Xennials (30s-40s)- present, Generation X and Baby Boomers (41 y/o and above)- future. The gig defined the theme #FPAGens which can be interpreted as ‘the old generations shall remain young at heart and live longer, and the younger generations shall carry on the legacy started by the older generations.’

 

The event showcased the talents of FPA employees when the Central Office and the Regional Offices battled during talent showdown. In the end, the Mindanao Cluster (Regions IX-XII, Caraga and ARMM) was declared the champion, achieving the feat for three consecutive years. Their winning entry was a video presentation centered on ‘hopefulness and sharing blessings despite the odds brought about by the recent earthquakes that hit their region.’

 

Best dressed employees of the different generations are also given recognition and prizes.

 

Past Generation:

Jonalyn Tolero, PRD (Female)

Rustom Taduyan, FU XI (Male)

 

Present Generation:      

Sharmaine Tecson, LSD (Female)

Angelo Bugarin, LSD (Male)

 

Future Generation:          

Imelda Rasay, FU XI (Female)

Charles Joseph Follosco, FU X (Male)

To evaluate the agency’s accomplishments for the FY 2019 and to set up plans for FY 2020, the Planning, Management and and Information Division (PMID) facilitated the conduct of Year-End National Conference held at the FPA Central Office Function Hall.

 

The activity kicked-off through the presentation of the Salient Features of Revised Fertilizer Regulatory Policies and Implementing Guidelines by FRD Chief Julieta Lansangan, and of the Pesticide Regulatory Policies and Implementing Guidelines by Deputy Executive Director for Pesticide Eric Divinagracia, and the discussion of the Revised Citizen’s Charter by FOCU Supervising Agriculturist Suzettie Alcaide.

 

The next day, Elizabeth Ramiro, FAD Chief, together with OIC-Budget Officer Genalyn Guardiano, presented the Financial Performance Review and Presentation of the FY 2020 Budget Based on NEP.

 

Afterwards, all the FPA Regional Offices presented their Physical Performance Review covering January to November 2019.

 

On the third day, a field inspection training course and a knowledge sharing with the industry was organized to enable the FPA Regional and Provincial Officers to update their knowledge on the emerging practices for pesticide management.

 

A discussion on the pesticide regulatory practices in the State of California, United States, was delivered by Alexander Lagman, an environmental scientist from the Department of Pesticide Regulation, Central Regional Office of Clovis, California.

 

Other lectures included Pesticide Residues, Toxicology and Maximum Residue Limits by Eric John Cruz, a licensed chemist and Head of Pesticide Management Division of the National Crop Protection Center – University of the Philippines Los Baños, Occupational Health and Safety by FPA Evaluator Dr. Wernher Bautista, and Product Stewardship Program by Joel Rosario of CropLife.

 

On the last day, the FPA employees have undergone orientation on the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 11032 otherwise known as Ease on Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery (EODB-EGSD) with ARTA Representative Jaifreed Cabangal who served as the resource person. He shared about the prescribed processing time of government services, automatic approval, reengineering of systems and procedures, accountability of heads of offices/agencies, citizen’s charter, and the penalties under the act.

 

In the afternoon, a lecture on Basic Photography and Social Media Management was facilitated by the Information Unit to capacitate the FUs in properly documenting their field activities, and observing effective content sharing online.

The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) through its Regional Field Units strengthens partnership with other government agencies in enabling livelihood program beneficiaries to be engaged in viable livelihood or microenterprise projects like fertilizer and pesticide dealership.

 

As such, the FPA is being tapped by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)to conduct capacity-building activities for individual farmers and farmers organizations/associations who are beneficiaries of the “Convergence on Livelihood Assistance for Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Project” or the CLAAP, a program being jointly implemented by DSWD and DAR which aims to expand and increase farmer’s access to economic opportunities.

 

During trainings, FPA introduces to the beneficiaries the requirements for dealership and provides lectures on responsible use and proper handling of fertilizers, pesticides and other agricultural inputs. All topics are covered by the dealership required examination or the Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) examination.

 

Even if individuals or groups are non-CLAAP beneficiaries, FPA has already been supporting local farmer’s associations desiring to venture into fertilizer and pesticide dealership business. FPA advises farmers that it is easier [and cheaper] to register as a farmer’s association than as an individual dealer, and formation of a cooperative would require registration from the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA).