MANILA, Philippines — Not a few readers have been asking us how best they can start their own farm projects. They are either employees or professionals who would like to have a hobby farm or an honest-to-goodness farm business. Some are young people while others are retirees.

Well, it is very easy to commit mistakes in starting a farm. So I often tell those who consult us to visit as many farms as possible. I tell them to visit the type of farms that they would like to undertake. Oh yes, there are so many choices in farming. One can go into ornamental plants, fruit trees, vegetables, livestock and poultry, fisheries and so on.

While it is a good idea to visit farms, sometimes it is difficult to locate one we would like to visit. Sometimes the owner might be reluctant to show his farm, especially to a stranger. In which case, it is a good idea to join a farm tour, just like what Agri-Aqua Network International (AANI) has been undertaking.

For those who are interested in organic farming, for instance, AANI will be conducting on March 25 a farm tour of one of the best organic farms in the country – the Costales Nature Farms in Brgy. Gagalot, Majayjay, Laguna. This was started in 2005 by Ronald Costales who was recently adjudged the First Prize winner in “The Outstanding Philippine Organic Agriculturist” Awards given by the Rotary Club of Cubao East.

This will be the second time that AANI will conduct a farm tour of the Costales farm. Last March 4, more than 80 farming aficionados joined the tour. There, they tasted the organic vegetables and fish plus edible wild ferns for lunch. They were also given a lecture by Ronald himself on the techniques in organic farming that he has been employing in growing his crops, fish and livestock.

The farm is now an accredited tourist destination by the Department of Trade and Industry.

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AGRI-KAPIHAN EVERY SATURDAY – Aspiring farmers as well as those who are already farming will find it useful to attend the Agri-Kapihan which is held every Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the St. Vincent Seminary on Tandang Sora, Quezon City. The forum is open free to everybody who is interested in farming and gardening.

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AGRICULTURE PROGRAM ON RADIO – Tune in to radio station DWWW, 774 khz on the AM band, every Sunday from 4:30 to 7:30 in the morning. There you will hear about the latest developments and opportunities in agriculture. The program has been going on for about 12 years. It is co-hosted by Tony S. Rola, Nina Manzanares-Agu and Zac B. Sarian.

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Log on to: www.zacbsarian.com for Agri ZACcess Ideas that could change your farming life for the better.