CAGAYAN de Oro City — Northern Mindanao needs more private investment in food processing, storage, renewable energy and digital agriculture to turn local farm products into higher-value goods, create jobs and strengthen the region's food supply, the Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) said.
DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan made the pitch to business leaders during the second day of the 35th Mindanao Business Conference at Limketkai Atrium here on Aug. 12.
For farmers and consumers, the proposed investments could mean less post-harvest loss, more local processing, better markets for farm products and a more reliable food supply.
“We need a strong and sustained partnership with the private sector, including international partners, one that transforms agricultural opportunities into viable investments, creates jobs, strengthens the value chain, and provides better markets and services for our partners and participants,” Pacamalan said.
Coffee seen as major opportunity
Pacamalan identified coffee processing and manufacturing as one of the region's promising investment areas.
Northern Mindanao has imported an average of about 25,100 metric tons of coffee annually over the past decade, he said, pointing to a market that local farmers, processors and investors could help supply.
Instead of selling agricultural products primarily as raw materials, investments in processing could allow producers to capture more value from their harvests and connect them to larger domestic and international markets.
DA-10 is also seeking investments in post-harvest and processing facilities for rice, corn and high-value crops to help reduce losses and increase the value of farm products.
Farm waste could become energy
The region's agricultural waste could also become an investment opportunity. Pacamalan said Northern Mindanao has nearly 1 million hogs, creating potential for systems that convert livestock waste into biogas and other forms of renewable energy.
“This is not merely an investment opportunity, but also a practical approach to circular agriculture, environmental sustainability, and renewable energy,” he said. The agency is also looking for investments in halal slaughterhouses and meat-processing facilities, which could help expand market opportunities for livestock producers.
Digital tools for farmers
DA-10 is likewise encouraging private-sector participation in digital agriculture, including technologies for mapping, monitoring, forecasting, data analysis and digital platforms.
These tools can help farmers, government agencies and investors make better decisions on production, planning and market opportunities.
Pacamalan emphasized that the opportunities are not limited to government-funded projects.
“These are not merely government programs. These are opportunities for partnership and investment,” he said.
What this could mean for farmers
DA-10's investment push aims to build stronger connections between farm production, processing, markets and consumers.
The agency said it wants investments that increase production, improve product quality, reduce losses, create markets and allow farmers to participate more fully in the agricultural value chain.
Pacamalan said DA-10 is ready to work with private companies and international partners interested in agriculture-related investments in Northern Mindanao and across Mindanao. (With a report from By Apipa Bagumbaran)
