Yap CRE Participates in the 48th Annual Yap Celebrations
Makiy, Yap (March 3, 2016) - Yap Cooperative Research and Extension (CRE) staff and Agriculture students participated in the 48th Annual Yap celebrations held in Makiy, on February 29 and March 1, 2016.
The annual two-day event is accompanied with various cultural performances including traditional dances, traditional attire displays, stories, tattoo displays, stone money carrying, log pulling, cultural education activities, and exhibits of handicrafts and food items.
Yap CRE displayed family farming and urban gardening models, and low-cost food production systems. As is customary, students and staff at the booth were traditionally dressed and promoted the importance of various local farm produce. A variety of vegetables from the CRE demonstration gardens and USDA OASVFR Program clients were on sale which included:
- kale
- lettuce
- Chinese cabbage
- spinach
- head cabbage
- celery
- bell pepper
- spring onion
- seedlings for eggplant, papaya, tomatoes and cucumbers.
On sales also were products from priority areas for Yap CRE like poultry farming and locally produced eggs via the OASDVFR Program. Booths were also providing needed information to plant healthy vegetables at home and in the community.
The variety of leafy vegetables and the many growing systems on display received acclaim from many off-island visitors. Yap CRE is an active promoter of integrated family farming for food and nutrition security. It guarantees food in a sustainable manner while taking care of islands’ environment and respecting traditions and cultures.
