DLNR mulls new policies for farm shelters

The Department of Lands and Natural Resources is mulling over new policies that would create standardized farm shelters for Kagman farm workers amid conflicts involving some 30 farm structures that have reportedly been converted into permanent homes.

DLNR also disclosed yesterday plans to hold talks with Kagman farmers, the Attorney General’s Office, the Division of Public Lands, and the Department of Agriculture with high hopes of reaching an agreement on the issue.

The parties will meet to review the existing farm land lease agreement and explore possible solutions to the issue at hand.

DLNR is responding to an AGO position that the agency closely look into the farm structures which have reportedly been turned into permanent living quarters in agricultural lands.

“I don’t know if it’s illegal but in my opinion, it’s questionable — the structures there where people are staying in the farm are government property and intended for agricultural use not residential,” said DLNR Secretary Joaquin Tenorio.

The Secretary also expressed willingness to listen to the farmers’ sentiments on the issue.

He encouraged farmers to consult with DLNR and offer suggestions with regard to providing some solutions.

Mr. Tenorio said he sympathizes with the farmer workers, noting the necessity of having a stay-in worker at the farm site even during wee hours.

“So we want to get together with the farmers, and we’ll try to see what their needs are and try to address it so that we’re not implementing something that is inappropriate,” he said.

Mr. Tenorio also dismissed criticisms that DLNR is trying to chase farm workers out of their living quarters. “I don’t want to chase other farmers, believe me, we need the farmers in order for us to produce crops so that we can provide it for the public,” he explained.

“If we can agree with the farmers, it is what we’re going to do. And if the built structures are determined suitable for sleeping, and if the government will allow it, then maybe we can work together,” he added.

DLNR with the farmers, AGO, DPL, and DOA is hoping to lay down concrete rules and regulations on how to operate under certain conditions.

Possible revisions to the current lease agreement will be patterned after what the agencies agree on, according to Mr. Tenorio.

“It’s still premature to say what’s going to happen but we just want to ensure that everything is legal, everything is appropriate and the public will not be outraged by any decision we come up with, ” he said.

DLNR is also seeking to meet with Division of Environmental Quality and Department of Public Health to address health and sanitary issues at the farm shelters.

The meeting will also include agriculture experts from Northern Marianas College to enlighten farmers and other parties on technical services, crop protection, crop production, site planning, and other farming issues.

Audience from the Soil and Water Conservation district is also being requested to take care of the irrigation system aspect.