Tinian seeks to create quality assurance label for agri products

The Tinian Mayor’s Office has launched a pilot project that will promote the products of local farmers, their crops, and the island’s agriculture industry in general.

The Tinian Home Grown fruits and vegetable project seeks to invest in the health of the community by supporting local farmers with their production of fruits and vegetables, providing residents with safe and high quality food products grown on Tinian.

“We need to ensure that our crops are safe to eat, as well as promote Tinian quality products,” said Tinian Mayor Ramon M. Dela Cruz. “We need to find ways to support our local economy and I believe supporting the agricultural industry is one way to do so.”

Special labels will be created for farmers who will participate in the Tinian Home Grown project and are found in compliance with regulations of the Division of Environmental Quality.

Dela Cruz, who is working with DEQ on the project, got together with several stakeholders for an introductory meeting at his conference room last March 1. Among those present were Lino Lizama, Marie San Nicolas, Zhang Bi Xi, Ramon Apostol, Bert Gapasin, Qing Ying Zheng, Ray Dela Cruz, Jr., Eugenio Villagomez, Juan Ignacio, and Melinda Cunanan.

Representatives of the Bureau of Environmental Health, Department of Commerce, Northern Marianas College – Cooperative Research Extension and Education Service, Department of Lands and Natural Resources, Department of Public Safety, and the Department of Finance were also at the meeting.

The group identified the lack of a full-time extension agent on Tinian as the “greatest need” for program participants. Such an agent can provide ongoing education on best practices and bridge the gap between demand from buyers and supply from growers.

Inconsistency or unavailability of farm equipment as well as high water and utility rates also keep homegrown products from being affordable.

The mayor expressed hope that the project will succeed in encouraging the agriculture industries on Saipan and Rota to follow suit. “I look forward to the day when we see safe-to-eat, high-quality, Tinian Home Grown fruits and vegetables on the shelves of grocery stores not only on Tinian, but also Saipan and Guam,” said Dela Cruz.

Reina Camacho, DEQ Pesticide and Storage Tank Branch manager, said the project’s working group will convene at least once a month. “At the end of the month, participants will initiate the education component for pesticide safety and use,” said Camacho, adding that the group will look for funds to obtain pesticide residue test kits as its “product assurance.”

DEQ director Frank Rabauliman said in a statement that their agency supports Dela Cruz’s efforts to reward individuals or companies that are in full compliance with the “Tinian Home Grown” label.

“I am hopeful he and the team will be sharing their model of success with others in the agriculture industry,” he added.