Yara Philippines headed by its Country Manager, Tobby Goodroad, recently met with CAFS Dean Elpidio M. Agbisit, Jr., Associate Dean for Instruction Adeliza A. Dorado, and Associate Dean for Research and Extension Barbara L. Caoili last August 19 via Zoom.

In the said meeting, Mr. Marcelo Espirito, Yara’s senior agronomist, detailed their collaboration proposal of establishing a 5,000 sq.m. open field demonstration trials on rice, corn, and vegetables specifically solanaceous and cucurbits within UPLB. These demo fields will use Yara’s technology on fertilizer management but will be focused on crop nutrition management for evaluation. Moreover, they also expressed interest in conducting trials on already established orchards within the campus. He added that the project will have a 5 year lease period. Mr. Marcelo said the if the collaboration pushes through, they plan to start the project by January of 2022 in time for the planting season. 

Mr. Michael Ardieta, product director of Yara, explained that putting up the research and development station within the campus is ideal because of its accessibility to researchers and students who will be engaged in crop nutrition and to farmers who will be invited to see the showcase of technologies.

Dean Agbisit stated that CAFS  is open to collaboration and he expressed optimism that it would push through because he is interested on the mission and goals of the company. He added that a MOA with the university is better as it would give Yara collaboration with other colleges in the University in the future.

Present also during the meeting were Engr. Emmanuel Amatorio, manager of Central Experiment Station, CAFS, UPLB and Ms. Catherine Lee, university researcher.

Yara is a fertilizer company with the mission to responsibly feed the world and protect the planet and to deliver profitable and responsible solutions for agriculture and the environment (IM Gesmundo).