Mayor seeks to boost agricultural ties of NMI, Guam

Strengthening the agriculture industries of the CNMI and Guam will promote food sustainability and improve the economies of both island communities, according to Sinajana Mayor Roke B. Blas of Guam.

Blas, who was recently on island to support the 29th Saipan Agricultural Fair, noted the importance of farming for island jurisdictions as shipping costs for imported produce continue to increase.

“With our economy now, the agriculture industry will help our farmers become sustainable so they can live off their lands,” he told Saipan Tribune.

Importing and exporting restrictions between the CNMI and Guam, however, hold back the island jurisdictions from exchanging produce due to the issue of invasive species but Blas said it’s a problem that can be addressed by helping each other come up with a solution.

According to him, having CNMI and Guam farmers come together and work with the Association of Mariana Islands Mayors and Municipal Councils can reinforce the agriculture industries of the islands by having a unified body or an “island association” to work with the federal government in supplying produce for the U.S. military forces in Guam.

Once the “island association” is already in position, the Marianas will be able to solidify its force in the region and would even draw the interest of neighboring countries such as Japan, Korea, and the Philippines to join the group.

Blas disclosed that Guam is working to revive its farmers’ cooperative, which, along with the AMIMM’s support, will be a step in the right direction toward achieving the goal of a stronger agriculture industry for the Marianas.

“This is our culture, our heritage so we need to bring it forward and continue with it,” he added.

Since the CNMI does not have an established farmers’ cooperative, Blas said they can help set one up for the Commonwealth.

Blas lauded the Saipan Sabalu Farmers Market Association for its weekly marketplace where local produce is sold. In Guam, he said, they only have open markets for clothing and arts and crafts but not locally grown crops.

“This is great work,” said Blas. “I wish that this will rub on to some of our people again because a lot of outsiders are coming in to make a killing and make money. This is what we’re here for, to live off the land.”