The move of the country’s biggest meat importer to source from North Cotabato and Central Mindanao a big portion of its supply requirements will boost the production of at least four major agricultural crops.
These crops include Corn, Sorghum, Soybeans and Cassava, including Copra.
Atkins Import & Export Resources Corporation, listed as the Philippines major meat importer, has firmed up an agreement with Great Arch Farms and Braveheart Farms for a monthly supply of at least 1,000 fattened Cattle.
Gabriel Ang, President of Atkins Import Corp. said his company will also source chicken, pork and goat meat locally.
This means that huge volumes of crops needed for feeds production such as Corn, Sorghum, Soybeans and Cassava would be needed.
Farmers could now focus on these crops and enjoy better prices.
This will effectively boost agricultural production and address poverty in the countryside.
This is what I had been emphasizing in my advocacy to boost local production over importation and the need to link farmers to direct buyers.
This is the perfect example of the cascading effect of boosting local agro-industries.
