By By Donna Rempillo
NEW CLARK CITY, Tarlac – The Department of Agriculture found the perfect spot for its Agro-industrial hub in Luzon.
An initial 30-hectare land here eyed by DA and Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) which aims to support farming communities and strengthen food security in Luzon.
“NCC has a strategic location and is easily accessible from both North and South Luzon,” DA Undersecretary Cheryl Caballero commented.
DA’s Agro-industrial hub will house agri-business hubs and multi-purpose facilities that will be key to managing and integrating the food supply chain, as well as introducing innovative agricultural technology to farmers
“The project compliments our rebooting strategy amidst the COVID-19 pandemic through the development of Agro- industrial Business Corridors for food security and Livelihood,” Caballero said.
BCDA President and CEO Vince Dizon, in his full support for the government’s efforts on integrating small scale farmers, said the construction will be started by 2021 next to the planned National Seed Technology Park.
“Improved connectivity infrastructure and other planned developments in NCC make it the best location for this project and we plan to have this agro-industrial hub started by next year,” Dizon disclosed.
Dizon believes that this effort of the government will create more jobs and will provide assistance to farmers and entrepreneurs, thus, spreading development in the countryside. “This hub will not only enhance the productivity of our farmers but also boost economic activity in the Region,” he furthered.
DA’s plan will also complement the planned Clark Fresh Food Market at the Clark Civil Aviation Complex which will integrate post-harvest facilities and target niche markets for organic produce, halal-certified goods, and premium quality food products.
For more information, visit the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) or Department of Agriculture.
