Davao as Fruits and Veggies Haven in 2008
Davao is known in the country as a rich source of fresh fruits and vegetables, probably second to the country’s salad bowl in La Trinidad, Benguet. But Davao may soon be a top fruits and veggies haven not only for the country but for the Southeast Asian region.
A research agency in Australia eyes Davao as a suitable venue for more intensive research and development on agricultural products. The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) aims to aid and subsidize joint agricultural research and development (R&D) plans between Australia and Third World countries like the Philippines. And Davao has been chosen to be the right spot for the R&D fruit and veggies program.
The program aims to have a two-fold target for Davao in the early part of 2008: vegetables and fruits. It seeks to strengthen more small and medium vegetable businesses in Davao, especially in terms of viability and competitiveness. Moreover, the program also aims to support the propagation of tropical fruit trees in Davao not only for local supply but for export, especially to Asia.
In view of the above, horticultural R&D is now the main thrust of said Australian agency in cooperation with the local government. It aims to employ the best of what its local counterpart can provide. This will be done in conjunction with the International Finance Corporation’s agribusiness efforts and plans in Davao.
Why Davao? Davao is popularly known for its extensive multicultural character as a city, as well as its growing expatriate constituency and direct global air accessibility. Help Davao and the help extends to various ethnic groups often neglected in rural development. And help is easily flown in through its accessible airport.
Moreover, it’s easier to coordinate with other related agribusiness help agencies in Davao; besides, Davao is well known for its refreshing nearby beaches and mountains to make migrating more attractive for R&D immigrants.
This program will put together Australian and Davao researchers and some top ACIAR planning experts. This ambitious project requires no less than local and foreign top skills in the development and supervision of agricultural studies, growth and other linked projects, to put Davao’s best veggies and fruit crops in the international market.
Davao is set for new progress breakthroughs in the near future. It is bound to be a new haven for top quality fruit and vegetable local supply, as well as exports. And this also means a new wave of immigration might be flooding Davao soon.
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