Local farmers eye supplying Japan, US military in Guam

Local farmers and ranchers are looking at the possibility of supplying vegetables, fruits and other products to Japan and the U.S. military in Guam to help boost the CNMI economy.

Ramon B. Camacho, vice chairman of the Saipan Municipal Council and a member of the newly created Farmers Support Group, said a key step is forming a local farmers’ cooperative that will “facilitate” the marketing of the CNMI as a major supplier of produce to the U.S. military and Japan.

“We have lots of potential vendors here,” Camacho said yesterday during a press conference in the Governor’s Conference Room on Capital Hill about the first Agricultural Summit on Feb. 11 and 12 at the Saipan World Resort.

Gov. Benigno R. Fitial and other government officials said that during tough economic times, the CNMI agriculture industry can still make progress because of the inherent demand for fresh food and agricultural products and by developing new markets for these products.

“For instance, local ranchers and farmers may prosper in the future by supplying products to the U.S. military during the regional buildup over the next several years,” he said.

Farming and ranching are generally not as large and as profitable as tourism but the CNMI can still have a more viable farming and ranching industries and be a more self-sufficient community, the governor added.

Camacho also said fresh produce that are produced locally help community members live a healthier lifestyle.

“The CNMI and federal government are spending millions of dollars in diabetes prevention so let’s educate our people that we have fresh produce available here,” he said.

Fitial and Camacho called on the community to support and help the development of the local farming and ranching industry. They also asked local farmers and ranchers to establish a business network and learn more about marketing and running successful enterprises.

“This is where the Farmers Support Group comes into the picture,” said Fitial, referring to the group that consists of members from Northern Marianas College, the Department of Lands and Natural Resources and the Saipan Municipal Council.

Camacho said businessman Tony Pellerino, whose business has already been supplying shrimp to the U.S. military and Vietnam, is encouraging him to visit the Guam military base to get more information on how to become a supplier of local produce.

The Farmers Support Group helps tackle the challenges of the agricultural industry and helps make their businesses a more viable and profitable industry for the CNMI. To support this effort, the group is holding the first Agricultural Summit on Feb. 11 and 12.

Fitial, Camacho, DLNR secretary Dr. Ike dela Cruz, NMC president Dr. Carmen Fernandez and other officials yesterday called on farmers, ranchers, local and federal regulatory agencies, businesses and individuals to attend the two-day summit.