Strategic farm tourism plan eyed next month

The Department of Tourism plans to finalize the Farm Tourism Strategic Plan next month to ensure inclusive and sustainable agricultural and rural development in the country.

Tourism Undersecretary Benito Bengzon said the agency is now finalizing the fiveyear strategic plan that would look at existing and potential farm tourism sites across the country.

“We will revisit the IRR (implementing rules and regulations) and talk with stakeholders, farmers. This is also in close coordination with the Department of Agriculture,” he added.

Bengzon said the plan would look at how the benefits would cascade to farmers and show the unique and quality produce of the countryside.

The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture earlier said the farm tourism’s non-inclusion in the Investment Priorities Plan (IPP) 2017 and the lack of financing for agri-tourism cooperatives are the major gaps that hinder the development of the sector.

The DOT has identified gaps that the government should focus on including lack of marketing and infrastructure support, capacity building of local government units, and technical vocational training for farm tourism operators and practitioners.

There is also inadequate knowledge on manpower needs and sustainable practices, lack of integration of hospitality programs and assistance for farm sanitation and energy management.

Farm tourism was mainstreamed in 2012 starting with the Costales Nature Farm in Laguna. The country now has more than 100 accredited establishments nationwide, majority of which are located in Luzon.

It is under the umbrella of nature tourism that holds around 20 to 30 percent of the overall tourism market in the country.