Press Release
March 17, 2009

Gordon seeks agricultural cooperative extension service to farmers

Independent Senator Richard J. Gordon has proposed the establishment of an agricultural cooperative extension service that would provide technical services to farmers and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector.

In filing Senate Bill 2238, Gordon said the government must create a national cooperative extension service to farmers so they can have access to new and innovative technologies in rice production.

"The challenge confronting the government is how it can provide technical services to our farmers on a national scale to effect positive growth and prevent a food security crisis," he said.

"A national cooperative extension service would ensure that our farmers receive the latest extension service support available in the country," he added.

Gordon explained that the government should accelerate the growth and development of the rural areas, improve agricultural modernization as a key strategy to increase agricultural productivity, and address national food security and rural poverty.

He recalled that when an international rice shortage occurred last year, prices of the staple food skyrocketed, prompting the people to avail of cheaper rice on National Food Authority stalls.

Gordon, who is also the chairman of the Senate government corporations and public enterprises, stressed the need to come out with a program that would set the country on the path of food security and rural development.

"We cannot simply depend on our neighboring countries to meet our food requirement. We should deal with the problem with a comprehensive and long-term solution," he said.

"The provision of technical and research inputs to our farmers through the proposed cooperative extension services is a step in the proper direction," he added.

SB 2238 also seeks to introduce other reform measures in the area of agricultural extension such as seed quality testing, soil analysis, remote testing and geographic information system (GIS) facilities and support for bio-based fertilizers.

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