A market research scanning on calamansi that was done revealed important statistics and information for any farmer or group of farmers interested in producing and marketing. It was found that the production of calamansi in the country has been increasing, with major supplies coming from Central Philippines (although it can only be produced there 4-6 months in a year because of typhoons) and less but more consistent (all-year round) supplies coming from Southern Mindanao. A minimum of half a hectare is required to make calamansi production successful and it costs around 4 Philippine Pesos (Php) or 9 US cents to produce one kilo of calamansi. Potential returns are estimated to be about US$2000/year for one farmer.

The value chain actors are comprised of the farmer, the assembler or distributor (who brings the calamansi to the capital of Manila), the retailer (markets that make the calamansi accessible) and the consumer. The price increase from farmer to consumer is almost 1000%!
Continue reading the Value Chain Analysis of Calamansi….

The ExeCom had a dialogue with the President of NPUST, Dr. Mike Guu, who took time to explain the history and growth of the university and its effort to meet the challenges of a globalizing world. While innovating to meet new challenges, it has kept agriculture an important part of its program. It also opened its doors to partnerships especially with deserving students from developing countries. There was commitment on both sides to explore concrete cooperation in the near future such as training in NPUST of some the DHRRA extension workers and AFA farmer leaders on advance and appropriate agricultural technologies that the university is offering. The ExeCom had a thoughtful grounding session and orientation in the Animal Science Department and an enjoyable tour of its premises. NPUST is strategically located in the south of Taiwan where agricultural conditions apply to tropical countries.

The presence of Mr. Seo was also optimized with the visit to the Taiwan Dairy Farmers Growers Association (TDFA) . TDFA has applied for membership in AFA in November 2006. The visit was arranged by AsiaDHRRA to help AFA expand its membership base where its DHRRA partners are present. Mr. Danny Huang, Chairperson of TDFA, reaffirmed its interest to become part of AFA, which was welcomed and appreciated by AFA during the visit thru its Chairperson. TDFA explained to the delegation the operations of TDFA and their effort to revive the industry amidst growing market challenges.

The visit was also a time to reconnect with partners and friends in Taiwan. TaiwanDHRRA leaders and volunteers, and Dr. Bosco Lee, DHRRA pioneer and President of Wenzao College of Languages, hosted separate dinners for the group. The group also visited Mr. Chaing’s vegetable farm, a member of Taiwan Wax Apple Growers Association (TWADA), and enjoyed a late afternoon mango and papaya eating break in another member’s marketing warehouse.

Marimuthu Nadason – Chairperson
Dr. Sung Lee – Vice Chairperson North Asia
Jaybee Garganera – Vice Chairperson Southeast Asia
Sil Vineth – Vice Chairperson Mekong Region
Dwi Astuti – Women Representative
Wenchi Huang – Women Representative

The ExeCom also took the opportunity to have its regular dialogue with the AFA ExeCom to assess partnership relations with the regional peasant alliance in the past two years and map out areas for common action in the coming years.