Agreement allows farmers to have better access to markets

FARMERS in Oil Search Ltd project areas can now have better access to markets after a memorandum of understanding it signed yesterday with two agencies.
They are the Fresh Produce Development Agency (FDPA) and the PNG Mining and Petroleum Hospitality Services.
Oil Search’s senior vice-president external affairs and community Leon Busken said the agreement would help extend its sustainable agriculture programmes in its area of operation.
“This will allow farmers to participate and take ownership of the fresh produce market within our project communities, through sustainable use of their land,” he said.
“Our people will be provided training in nursery through to the marketing of the produce to ensure target yield and quality are met.”
Busken said this would enhance food security and wellbeing for the farming communities and enable the farmers to grow more nutritious foods for their families.
FPDA general manager and chief executive officer Mark Worinu believes the partnership would allow farmers to participate meaningfully in food production, supply and consumption.
“This partnership with Oil Search will open new opportunities for us as an organisation,” he said.
“I am looking forward to supporting them in their vision to improve the lives of the local communities.”