Learning Sites for Coconut Farming Established in Central Visayas

Three learning sites for coconut farming in Central Visayas have been established to teach farmers about innovation and technology that would increase production and trading, the Philippine News Agency reported on October 16.  
Merrian Soliva, chief of information services of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in Central Visayas, said they have certified the three Learning Sites for Agriculture (LSA) focused on improving the capability of coconut farmers.  The LSAs are attached to the Lamac Multi-Purpose Cooperative-Cocohub located in Tuburan, Cebu; the Romeo Agricultural Farm in Loay, Bohol; and the Tanawing Perma Farms in Carmen, Bohol. Five others seek Coco-LSA accreditation: one in Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental; three in Bohol’s Duero, Buenavista, and Dimiao towns; and one in Sibonga, Cebu.
These Coco-LSAs are under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) of the Philippine Coconut Authority and partnered with ATI in providing training to farmers in terms of information, education, and communication materials.  ATI is tasked to conduct training and other related activities like information caravan, technology forum, and agri fairs.  It also certifies farmland to become Learning Sites for Agriculture, as well as providing grants to accredited extension service providers.