Farming Meets the Digital Age
GENERAL SANTOS CITY - The first Regional AMIA Summit gave farmers from across SOCCSKSARGEN an opportunity to explore technologies and strategies designed for the realities of modern agriculture. Organized through the DA’s Adaptation and Mitigation Initiatives in Agriculture and Mainstreaming Climate Resilient Agriculture Program, the event brought together participants from AMIA Villages, research institutions, LGUs, and partner agencies. Discussions covered climate-resilient technologies, climate information, decision-support tools, production assistance, and market linkages. By bringing these conversations to General Santos City, the summit created a space where agricultural experience could meet new ideas that farmers can consider for their own communities.
From Better Harvests to Better Markets
One of the summit’s notable features was its attention to the business side of farming, including digital marketing and artificial intelligence in agriculture. Participants were encouraged to look beyond production and consider how technology can help them promote their products, understand markets, and respond to changes affecting their livelihoods. Mindanao State University–General Santos City also took part, with its Extension Services Director discussing digital marketing and emphasizing that farmers are business owners as well. That perspective adds an important dimension to agricultural development: growing food is only part of the journey, while finding customers and building sustainable market opportunities also matter.
Turning Knowledge Into Farm-Ready Ideas
The gathering also strengthened cooperation between the Department of Agriculture, Department of Science and Technology, local governments, farmers, researchers, and other partners. A memorandum of understanding between DA-RFO XII and DOST XII was signed during the summit for Project SARAI, which brings science-based agricultural information and digital tools closer to farmers in the region. The event therefore offered more than presentations, creating opportunities for participants to exchange experiences and explore solutions suited to climate-related challenges. With General Santos City serving as the venue, the summit placed practical knowledge, technology, and collaboration at the center of conversations about the future of farming.
