By Kenneth Marcos 
Bright mornings at Bay Area Suites in Manila were filled with eager discussions and note-taking as Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs), professionals, and members of Farmer Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) attended the Agricultural Training Institute’s (ATI) Farm Business School (FBS) for High-Value Crops. The program, running from November 27 to December 4, 2025, aims to strengthen agro‑entrepreneurship and equip participants with practical skills to grow profitable farm businesses.
“This training is about turning knowledge into sustainable opportunities,” said an ATI representative. “By learning business management and market strategies, our farmers and extension workers can transform their farms into thriving enterprises that benefit families and communities.”
The eight-module course covers essential topics such as starting a business, financial literacy, farm business concepts, high-value crops production, marketing, vision and mission casting, enterprise profitability, business plan development, and recordkeeping. Each module is designed to give participants hands-on tools to manage and grow farm-based businesses efficiently.
A key highlight was the benchmarking activity in Sariaya, Quezon, where participants visited the Sentrong Pamilihan to study farm produce consolidation and sustainable supply chains. They also toured F&D Agriculture and Livelihood Training Center to observe coffee, cacao, and vegetable agroenterprises, and Urban Farmers PH to learn about urban high-value crop production and agritourism practices. These site visits allowed participants to see real-world applications of entrepreneurial principles and innovative farming techniques.
Participants are now preparing business plans for specialist review, marking an important step toward building stronger, more sustainable farm enterprises. ATI emphasized that this initiative supports both rural livelihoods and the broader high-value crops industry, helping farmers adapt to changing markets while ensuring profitability and sustainability.
Through programs like the FBS, ATI continues to empower AEWs and farmers, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to strengthen the agricultural sector and boost local economies.
Pwersa Balita – Your Trusted Source in Agri News