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Farmers’ Co-op gets $60K for operational needs
Saipan Farmers’ Co-op president Frica Pangelinan received the good news from the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation Friday that the Co-op will be given $60,000 for its operational needs. This includes purchase of needed equipment and supplies such as chillers to preserve produce and value-added products. The Co-op has been operating on a shoestring budget since its opening but managed to sustain operations mainly through the commitment of two part-time employees and faithful volunteers.
With this new funding assistance from the delegation, the Co-op will be able to further organize its management infrastructure and promote the Co-op better. In the coming months, Pangelinan will try to encourage and work closely with the farmers and groups or individuals who are interested in producing value-added products from locally grown produce. The Co-op wants to play a part in the CNMI’s effort toward food security, especially in relation to healthy nutrition from locally grown fruits and vegetables.
Pangelinan extends her appreciation, on behalf of the Co-op’s board of directors and members, to the Saipan delegation and Gov. Eloy S. Inos for this much needed assistance.
In addition, she thanked government agencies such as the Department of Lands and Natural Resources, Northern Marianas College CREES, Division of Parks and Recreation, the Office of the Governor, Department of Public Works and many others, including private businesses, that have come forth with assistance, especially during the preparation for the grand opening on August 18, 2014.
Members of the Co-op Association include farmers from Rota as well as Saipan.
The store schedule for the Co-op at this time is posted daily outside the building.
For more information about the Co-op or how to sell your produce, contact this temporary number: 285-2713.
