Quezon City, Philippines – At least 80 representatives of local and national farmers’ associations and cooperatives gather during the National Forum on Agri-Cooperatives on 27 November 2015 at Institute of Social Order, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City. It was led by PAKISAMA, with support from AsiaDHRRA, CSA, We Effect, Trias, Agriterra, NATCCO, FSSI, PhilDHRRA, and AFA.
Coming from the 2015 IYFF+1 KLM-PE on 25-26 November 2015, wherein agri-cooperatives development was discussed as one of the key thematic areas for empowering family farmers, the national forum aimed at taking a closer look on the experiences, challenges, and lessons from developing agri-cooperatives in the country, in Asia, and in Europe.
In his keynote address, Chairperson Orlan Ravanera of the Cooperatives Development Authority, emphasized the importance of cooperativism in addressing development goals such as poverty alleviation, environmental protection, peace and order, among others. He also shared the recent policy issuances and support programs specifically for agri-cooperative developments.
Mr. Marek Poznanski of Belgium-based Collectif Strategis Alimentaires (CSA) shared the vital roles played by agricultural cooperatives in Europe. Mr. Jose Ebron of NATCCO presented the status and some success stories of agricultural cooperatives in the country. Ms. Vicky Serrato of AFA discussed the models and/or experiences of organizing agri-cooperatives among their members.

After the sharing sessions, participants were divided into four workshop groups to map out the profiles of participating farmers’ organizations, define the challenges confronting them, and identify opportunities and actions points for working together.
The participants all agreed to sustain the national forum and eventually establish a national federation of agri-cooperatives. They also to create a Technical Working Group (TWG) composed of representatives from select farmer groups and the development partners and NGOs who supported the forum. The TWG will discuss and draft the roadmap for establishing the national federation; and, will then present it to a follow-up national consultation among the participating farmers’ organizations.

AsiaDHRRA would continue supporting this initiative by engaging its partner-FOs, PhilDHRRA’s partner-FOs, and, PAKISMA; and, through continued linkaging with NATCCO and other key stakeholders.