Build it, he will come!’ Soybeans, Sorghum Included In DA Feed Grains Program

Six years after Sorghum was reintroduced and two years since a massive Soybeans seed production was launched by private groups, the Department of Agriculture has finally included these two heavily-imported crops in its national priorities.
The National Corn Program has been renamed by DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and it is now called the National Corn and Feed Grains Program.
This is a major development in the country’s Food Security Program because focus and funding will now be provided to these two important crops.
Yesterday, the DA National Corn Program office called me up to ask for more inputs on both crops as the agency finalizes its program proposals for 2025.
Earlier, upon the request of the agency, I crafted and submitted 5-Year Development Programs for both Sorghum and Soybeans.
Soybeans is the most important source of protein in animal feed formulation while Sorghum which could be easily grown in the Philippines could complement the shortfall in Corn Production because it has an 11% protein content.
Sorghum Development is being initiated by the Southseas Agri-Aqua Ventures, Inc., a young and small company which former Senator Ping Lacson and I, along with several friends, formed in 2022.
The Soybeans Program which my farm, Braveheart Farms, started in late 2022, is supported by VetMate Farma Corp. owned by another friend and supporter, German Panghulan.
This is a warmly welcomed development and a recognition of the initiatives of the private sector in building new industries which could boost the country’s Food Security Program.
It has been proven once again that if somebody or a group perseveres by showing new opportunities in Philippine Agriculture, recognition and support will follow.
“If you build it, he (they) will come.”
#KungGustoMaramingParaan!