Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA)

Extension Services Provider (ESP)

School for Practical Agriculture (SPA)
Farm Tourism Site (FTS)

The LSA/ESP/SPA are part of ATI’s ladderized approach to extension service which is focused
on productivity-enhancing interventions directed mainly towards the development of the
farmers and, subsequently, their agri-products/by-products. This approach is grounded on
the following principles:

 Experience is the best teacher

 Farmer-to-farmer learning and problem-solving
 Demand-driven and need-based curriculum
 Learning by observing and modeling
 Learning by doing
 Participating and experiencing
 Earning while learning
 Farmer as an entrepreneur; farming as an enterprise

The LSA is a farm practicing applicable agricultural technologies, employing doable farming
strategies, and operating successfully. The farmer/farm family-owner is relatively advanced
compared to other farmers. An LSA also includes a successful agri-products/by-products
processing enterprise owned by a processor who is not necessarily a farmer/farm family. A
farm is certified as an LSA when it is privately owned or operated by a rural-based
organization, an integrated, diversified, and specialized farm producing a specific commodity
in sizeable volume, has basic techno-demo farm facilities, and is accessible by land and other
transportation facilities. An LSA serves as a practicum area to complement classroom
learning; a venue for practical and hands-on learning for immediate use; a visit area for other
farmers, rural community members, ATI training participants, and others interested in
agriculture and agri-products/by-products processing; and on-the-job training site for ATI’s
scholarship program grantees, beneficiaries of “Adopt a Farm Youth” program, and other
interested agriculture students and individuals.

The SPA, on the other hand, is an upgraded LSA with enhanced training facilities and whose
owner is trained for further competence, therefore called as “farmer-trainer” or “processor-
trainer”. The SPA serves as a “training center in the field” to complement the ATI in the
delivery of training and extension services to the clientele. The integrated or specialized
commodity farm (either crop-based, livestock-based, or fishery-based) is enhanced with
additional commodities and/or increased area. Its farm activities cover production to
successful marketing. In addition to the basic demo farm/processing facilities, the SPAs have
functional facilities needed to undertake live-in training and extension activities. Aside from
training, the SPAs have information support, provides technical guidance, and implements
complementary projects in preparation to becoming a Farm Tourism Site for accreditation of
the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Meanwhile, the private ESPs are legitimate organizations such as non-government

organizations, people’s organizations, outreach arm of institutions, and other private
organizations with agricultural extension services or services that are relevant to agricultural
extension. The LSAs and SPAs can become ESPs only if they are organized as a network. Both
the SPAs and ESPs function as alternative/complementary training venues as they have the
basic facilities for the conduct of a live-in training. Considered as full-fledged extension
agencies, ESPs are better equipped as ATI’s partners in the provision of extension services to
farmers/fishers and their organizations.

The FTS, according to the DOT website, is a working farm producing and/or showcasing raw
and/or processed products. They are categorized as a) Day Farm and b) Farm Resort. For a
farm to be an FTS, it should be situated in a generally safe and peaceful location. An FTS has
the following facilities/amenities, or can also be available in the nearest service area not more
than a two-hour drive from the farm, in addition to the existing facilities necessary for its
regular operation:
1. Reception/Information Counter - an info counter or a reception area shall be
designated where guests can inquire about the farm’s tour offerings, services or
amenities. It can also serve as briefing area for the tour.
2. Parking - parking area with designated drop-off/loading area shall be provided for
buses and other public as well as private vehicles.
3. Dining/Multi-Purpose Area - there shall be a dining, recreational and activity area for
guests. Picnic grounds shall use outdoor fixtures made of indigenous materials in keeping
with the farm setting.
4. Farm Guide - Farm guides shall accompany the tour group during the entire conduct of
the farm tour. They shall provide information on farm operations, processes, products and
other unique features of the farm.
5. Souvenir Shop/ Mini-Trading Area - There shall be a souvenir shop or mini-trading post
to provide guests with a place to purchase the farm’s produce (fresh or processed) and/or
negotiate for possible business partnerships or transactions.
6. Accommodation (for farm resorts only) - There shall be accommodation facilities which
shall comply with the minimum standard requirements of an accommodation facility of
the DOT.
7. Restaurant (for farm resorts only) - There shall be a restaurant or catering service
within the farm resort’s premises to cater to the dining needs of visitors / guests.

Support infrastructure facilities are also in place such as road, electricity, water and
communication.