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Farmers, ranchers take center stage next week
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Posted on Jul 18 2019
Farmers, ranchers, and members of the community pose for a picture with acting governor Arnold I. Palacios after the Farmers and Ranchers Week proclamation signing yesterday on Capital Hill. (MARC A. VENUS)
To recognize the valuable role farmers and ranchers play in the CNMI community, they will be taking center stage next week when the CNMI celebrates July 21 to 27, as Farmers and Ranchers Week.
Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, acting in Gov. Ralph DLG Torres’ stead, signed the proclamation yesterday at the Governor’s Office conference room on Capital Hill to declare the occasion.
Palacios, who also proclaimed Saturday, July 27, as Saipan Agricultural Fair Day, acknowledged the work and dedication that farmers and ranchers throughout the island are doing to create local produce for the CNMI.
He urged visitors and the people of the Commonwealth to buy local fruits, meats, and vegetables as a show of support and respect for the CNMI’s farmers and ranchers and their efforts.
“Growing up, I was exposed to 25 years of ranching, and I always wondered why I spent my time at the ranch instead of the beach…and, later on, I learned to value some of these farming and ranching cultures that we have passed on to future generations,” Palacios added.
Lands and Natural Resources Secretary Anthony Benavente thanked both Torres and Palacios for their awareness of the importance of ranchers and farmers, and the CNMI Legislature for funding the 36th Agricultural Fair and keep it going.
This year’s theme for the fair is “Agri-Resiliency” and the event was slated to begin last May, but with the ongoing austerity measures and the effects of Super Typhoon Yutu last October, DLNR and the Saipan Agricultural Fair Association decided to move it to July.
SAFA will be hosting the 36th annual Agricultural Fair on July 27 at the Garapan Central Park, from 8am to 2pm.
