PRESIDENT Arroyo has ordered, through Executive Order 710, the nationwide adoption of a corn-based farmer-scientists research, development and extension training program (FSTP) to liberate upland farmers from hunger and poverty.

Arroyo said the adoption of the program is part of government's plan to develop at least 2 million hectares of new agribusiness lands. She said the lands up for development include 280,250 hectares of new areas for corn production which are tilled by more than 20 million poor upland farmers dependent on corn grits for food but do not have enough grain even for their own consumption.

She said the FSTP integrates agricultural research and development, and seeks to help farmers grow multiple crops and livestock in their farms for increased income.

She said the FSTP was first piloted in Argao, Cebu in 1994 and has since expanded to Cebu, Siquijor, Negros Oriental, Occidental Mindoro, Leyte and Compostela Valley. It raised farmers' income by more than 100 percent, gave them enough for food and to sell, and enabled them to produce vegetables, fruits and livestock.