The Japan Agricultural Exchange Council (JAEC), Benguet State University (BSU), and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of La Trinidad signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on the implementation of the project, “The Safe Vegetable Production Technology and Vegetable Distribution System Improvement.”

The MOA was signed by BSU President Felipe Salaing Comila and JAEC Director Ryoji Sakamoto at the BSU – Office of the President. The MOA signing ceremony was facilitated by the Office of Research Services (ORS), headed by Director Gretchen Gaye C. Ablaza.

The collaboration focuses on the implementation of three key initiatives: a crop programming system, the Farmers Improvement of Vegetable Packing and Shipment (FIVPS) technology, and the Safe Vegetable from Rich Soil (SAVERS) technology. SAVERS aims to improve soil conditions for better crop production, while FIVPS focuses on preserving vegetable freshness and reducing vegetable waste. The crop programming system, on the other hand, is designed to stabilize vegetable supplies for farmers.

Through the MOA, BSU students will learn about the effectiveness of SAVERS and FIVPS technology and crop programming systems.

Additionally, JAEC will offer technological expertise, including a state-of-the-art mokusaku chamber and postharvest equipment. This equipment will be accessible to BSU faculty, researchers, and students for various academic and research activities but not limited to student internships, collaborative research on mokusaku technology, FIVPS technology, value chain, and marketing and training for students, farmers, and other stakeholders.

The LGU will support the project implementation by extending it to local farmers.//BTayaban