Agri-products, services take center stage in regional expo

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO-Dozens of exhibitors from all over Central Luzon took part in yesterday’s opening of the Agribusiness Support for Promotion and Investment in Regional Expo (ASPIRE) at Robinsons Starmills here bringing with them agriculture products, support services and equipment for agricultural production.

The event hailed as the first big agri-fair of its kind in terms of scope and program offerings was attended by people in the business and agriculture sector.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) said that the event brought together the best in the agri-business sector and opens potentials for expansion and promotion.

Project ASPIRE has four driving components namely: production support; enterprise development and industry support; investment promotion; and market promotion and development.

The event is also an avenue for businesses and sectors in agricultural trade to showcase their products. The event is also an opportunity for those in agriculture trade to market products and expand their network.

The overall objective of the project is to support farmers to become successful agri-entrepreneurs. The DA said that they hope to transform more farmers and fisherfolk into more competitive agripreneurs.

Project ASPIRE is also being implemented in other regions where the DA has signed a tripartite agreement with the Department of Trade and Industry and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. for the implementation of ASPIRE.

The project is hoped to be fully implemented by 2018.