MANILA -- Farm tourism will add to the income opportunities for small farmers in Southeast Asia, the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) said.
In a statement released Friday, SEARCA Director Gil Saguiguit said the sunrise industry of farm or agriculture tourism "diversifies income for small farmers while promoting sustainable agricultural systems and community involvement."
SEARCA also pointed out that farm tourism is expected to open new perspectives for inclusive and sustainable agricultural and rural development.
The sector is gaining ground, as Senator Cynthia Villar is pushing for the passage of the Farm Tourism Development Act into a law. It will help institutionalize the Philippine government's farm tourism program to raise farmers' income and increase players in the provincial tourism industry.
SEARCA, a non-profit organization established by the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education in 1966, aims to provide participating countries high-quality graduate study in agriculture and promote, undertake, and coordinate research programs related to the needs and problems of the region. (PNA)