IT'S OUR 16TH YEAR

From our very first hog exhibit in Davao City in 1994 (Piglink `94) to last year’s eventful gathering of who’s who and what’s what in agriculture, Agrilink has become a trailblazer in showcasing the best of Philippine agribusiness. Every year, we’ve tried to be relevant to the call of the times. So much so that we have become the benchmark of quality exhibitors and visitors. Our yearly coterie of agri-products and technologies is unmatched, while our number of quality visitors remains unparalleled. And as we try to outdo and improve on our performance every year, our commitment to all our agri stakeholders, input suppliers and all the members of the whole agribusiness chain becomes stronger.

AGRILINK: THE YEAR THAT WAS

Last year’s Agrilink was extra special and momentous for the whole agribusiness community because President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo graced our opening ceremony and toured the exhibit. In her speech, the President lauded the efforts of both the government and the private sector in heeding the call of global competition. She likewise commended the timely and relevant theme of “Sustainable Agricultural Growth Through Market Niches” as a way to further propel agriculture’s business wheel.

The 15th Agrilink also witnessed the biggest participation of the Department of Agriculture and its affiliated agencies culminated by way of its second year staging of the “O My Gulay Cooking Contest” and “Pinaka-Best Agricultural Harvest.” Mr. Lyndon Tan, the President of Region IV-A’s Vegetable Industry Council and one of the most successful agribusinessmen in the country was selected as chairman of Agrilink 2008 and its 21 co-organizers. FRLD believes Mr. Tan aptly represents the living example of an entrepreneur who has developed and expanded his own market niche by way of his innovative and progressive vegetable production, post harvest packaging and marketing systems. The 21 co-organizers, on the other hand, represented the major industry associations from the swine, crops, horticulture, fishery, processed food, poultry, and grains sectors as well as government institutions.

Close to 215 companies exhibited occupying 321 indoor and retail booths or 7,290 square meters. While most were local companies, there were also 47 foreign companies from 18 countries led by France, China, Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Germany, United Kingdom, Netherlands and Japan.

There were also three (3) Indoor Pavilions: French Pavilion in the main exhibit and PHILFOODEX & OPTA Pavilion in the retail area. Registered visitors came close to 20,000 over the 3-day period.

SUSTAINABLE FOOD PRODUCTION: FOCUS ON THE FILIPINO MARKET

The effects of the recent global financial meltdown have finally hit our shores. Every conceivable agri-enterprise, from corporate businesses to backyard raisers is experiencing significant changes is costs, input availability and consumer purchasing power. Our exporters have been complaining about softening of demand or slowdown of business transactions. Observers and analysts contend that with the world market in a downtrend spin, this is the time to re-think our overall business thrusts and concentrate on the most basic agribusiness concern-Sustainable food production and to focus on the market we know and can service best-the Filipino market both here and abroad.

The British economist E.F. Schumacher aptly says it all: "Small is Beautiful." In times of economic crunch, he blasts the notion that "bigger is better" and says we can find wisdom in village-based economics. Schumacher posits that instead of doing business on a massive scale, we should do things in small increments. And experts agree: now is the time to venture into servicing shorter marketing chains. Now is the time to re-channel our thoughts on micro-enterprises rather than dwell on huge entrepreneurial undertakings that require extensive and massive marketing networks and inventory financing. Now is the time to build our local markets first before we look beyond what's outside our shores. Now is the time to tap our indigenous resources and form our own market niches on our local clientele.

PRODUCTS IN FEATURE

Agricultural Chemicals • Animal Housing and Breeding • Animal Health and Nutrition • Aquaculture • Equipment and Inputs • Communication and Information Technology • Dairy Products • Equipment and Machinery • Facilities on Cooking and Storage • Facilities on Postharvest • Feed Ingredients • Feedmilling • Fertilizers and Pest Management • Financial Institutions • Fishery Products • Food Ingredients and Additives • Food Packaging • Food Processing • Fruits and Vegetables • Greenhouses and Nurseries • Horticulture Inputs • Meat Products • Organic Farming and Hydroponics • Publications • Research and Consultancy • Seeds and Planting Materials • Irrigation Systems • Transport and Logistics • Waste Management