The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) successfully concluded its week-long Agraryo Trade Fair (ATF) 2025 in Quezon City on Friday, December 5. The event served as a major national platform for Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) and their organizations (ARBOs) to directly connect with consumers and commercial buyers.
Showcasing Nationwide Bounty and Creativity
Running from December 1 to 5, 2025, the fair lived up to its theme, "Gawang ARBO, Tatak Agraryo." It highlighted the creativity and agricultural wealth of farming communities from across the archipelago. Approximately 85 ARBOs participated, presenting a diverse array of over 300 products.
The offerings included fresh agricultural harvests, processed foods, local delicacies, handicrafts, and products made from natural fibers. The fair represented a true geographic cross-section of the Philippines, with participants ranging from the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) to CARAGA and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Structured Zones for Effective Connections
To facilitate meaningful engagements, the fairgrounds were organized into curated zones. The Harvest Exchange, Prosperity Market, and Community Treasures Pavilion were designed to efficiently link farmers with potential buyers, retailers, and business partners. This structure moved beyond a simple display, actively fostering commercial relationships.
In his opening speech on Monday, DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III expressed hope that the event would "inspire stronger collaboration, spark innovation, and deepen pride in the achievements of our farmers." The fair's core mission was to provide ARBs and ARBOs a venue to promote their best goods, build new partnerships, and strengthen linkages within the agricultural value chain.
Empowering Farmers as Entrepreneurs
A key focus of the event was to develop the business acumen of agrarian reform beneficiaries. Partner Go Negosyo committed to helping train farmers to strengthen their entrepreneurial skills. Financial and logistical support mechanisms were also highlighted.
The Land Bank of the Philippines and Agrisenso Plus presented opportunities for capital loans, machinery, and facility support for ARBO ventures. Notably, LandBank offered a PHP 10,000 recovery loan program for farmers whose livelihoods have been disrupted by natural calamities.
By bridging the gap between rural producers and the broader market, the Agraryo Trade Fair 2025 took a concrete step toward transforming farmers into competitive entrepreneurs, ensuring the sustainability of agrarian reform gains.
