The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) will jointly establish the country’s first agri-industrial business corridor at the New Clark City (NCC) in support of government efforts to disperse industries to the regions and decongest Metro Manila.
DA Secretary William Dar said NCC has the potential to jumpstart and sustain economic growth in the new normal because of its agricultural resources and strategic location that grants access to markets in both northern and southern Luzon, including Metro Manila.
“The agro-industrial business corridor or ABC that will rise at the New Clark City will be a holistic approach, which aims to integrate smallholder farmers by providing them access to resources, including state-of-the-art production technology, capital and value-adding facilities,” Dar said in a statement.
He said ABCs in other strategic areas will also help address employment challenges in the new normal scenario amid the pandemic.
DA Undersecretary Cheryl Marie Caballero and BCDA vice president Arrey Perez last week inspected a possible site measuring 30 hectares.
The facility will have modern agribusiness and multi-purpose facilities, including a national seed technology park.
DA said the ABC will complement the Clark Fresh Market to be constructed at the Clark Civil Aviation Complex that will have an integrated post-harvest facility to cater to niche markets for organic produce, halal-certified and premium quality food products.
“This agri-industrial business corridor will not only enhance the productivity of our farmers, but will also boost economic activity in the region,” Vince Dizon, BCDA president and chief executive officer.
