GONZAGA, Cagayan — Beyond showcasing vegetable produce, the town's Food and Trade Fair offered Gonzaga’s vegetable growers a crucial test, proving that innovative farm technologies can successfully translate into real market opportunities.

The participating grower-cooperators under the Sustainable Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)-Based Vegetable Production and Processing Technology Towards Enterprise Development in Cagayan Province – Phase II generated ₱44,105.00 in gross sales during the August 15, 2026, fair held in celebration of the town's Patronal Fiesta.

Implemented through the collaboration of Cagayan State University (CSU) led by Officer-In-Charge President Dr. Arthur G. Ibañez, Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST–PCAARRD) headed by Executive Director Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, and the Local Government Unit of Gonzaga led by Mayor Engr. Rellie S. Dalmaceda, the project seeks to promote vegetable production that is safe, sustainable, and responsive to market demands.

At the fair, growers showcased a range of GAP-based fresh vegetables, allowing consumers to see firsthand the products resulting from improved agricultural practices.

But the exhibit did not stop at fresh produce.

The growers and project team also showcased okra pickles, tomato leather, tomato jam, and tomato jelly, demonstrating how locally produced vegetables can be transformed into higher-value products.

These processed products offer farmers another option for dealing with surplus and highly perishable vegetables while creating opportunities to extend shelf life, diversify products, and increase income.

For the grower-cooperators, the fair also served as a practical classroom.

By engaging directly with consumers and potential buyers, they gained firsthand experience in product presentation, customer interaction, pricing and marketing, while learning which products attract market interest.

The project team likewise provided agricultural inputs, IEC materials, and rapid test kits to reinforce GAP-based production and food safety practices.

The exhibit was further complemented by East-West Seed Company, which presented vegetable seeds and agricultural products, connecting growers with potential sources of quality planting materials.

Meanwhile, locally crafted bamboo furniture from CSU Gonzaga, through the leadership of Campus Executive Officer Dr. Froilan A. Pacris Jr., was used as display racks, adding a sustainability dimension to the exhibit while showcasing local craftsmanship.

Project Technical Consultant Dr. Josie Y. Bas-ong led and coordinated the project's participation, with Project Leader Dr. Boyet C. Pattung and the project team supporting the grower-cooperators.

The Research, Development, and Extension (RDE) Team, headed by Engr. Audy R. Quebral, Vice President for RDE, represented by Dir. Roje Marie Rosqueta, Director for Extension, together with Engr. Jerameel Blanch Bunagan and Ms. Danica Ibañez, project staff, ensured the preparation of the booth and the display of the participating growers’ produce.

This experience brings the project closer to its broader goal: helping vegetable growers transform agricultural technologies into sustainable and profitable enterprise opportunities.