2nd Urban Agri trade show set September 5-6
The 2nd Urban Agriculture trade show will be held on September 5-6 at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. This is under the auspices of the Manila Bulletin’s Agriculture Magazine.
This follows the very successful similar event which was held at the Rockwell Tent in Makati City last May 1-3. Because Rockwell Tent is too small for the event, the 2nd Urban Agriculture trade show will move to a bigger location.
The event aims to provide an opportunity for the urban communities to see for themselves the possibilities of producing food right in the limited spaces in the urban setting. It also provides an opportunity for the producers to sell their produce at very reasonable prices.
Creative ways of urban farming and gardening will be showcased during the event through the exhibits of products and services of the participating companies and individuals.
The visitors, themselves, will have the chance to buy fresh farm produce as well as processed ones at very reasonable prices because most of the exhibitors will be selling their own products.
The trade show will feature various innovative ways of growing vegetables. Among them is the use of plastic grow bags that can be installed in various ways above the ground. There are also systems in hydroponics and aquaponics. Also there are ways of converting household wastes into organic fertilizer.
Expected to be showcased at the trade expo are the new varieties of vegetables from different seed companies like East-West Seed, Allied Botanical, Harbest Agribusiness and others.
Growing fruit trees in containers is also a possibility in the urban areas. There are many varieties that can be grown in half drums or in rubberized containers, recycled containers and the like. These include the imported varieties of makopa, oranges, lemons, pomelos, and many more.
One can also expect to see the starting kits being distributed by Carlo Sumaoang of Novatech which were a hit during the first Urban Agri trade show. The kit includes vegetable seeds, germinating medium and a biodegradable pot for growing the plants. This starter kit is useful in encouraging children to grow their own plants and get them interested in agriculture.
During the two-day event, there will be speakers on timely topics on urban farming. Those interested to participate in the exhibit may contact Ian Belleza at tel. 537-8121 local 430 or 307. Email: urbanagriculture@ mb.com.ph.