Today is :

Editorial

The “Vegetables for Life” thematic phrase came from our visitors from the Asian Vegetables Research and Development Center - The World Vegetable Center (AVRDC-WVC), Dr. George Kuo and Ms. Mandy Lim, during their recent visit in the Philippines from 28 November to 06 December 2006. It came with a key chain and a 2007 calendar showing the importance of vegetables in our lives. Because of my curiosity, I asked, why vegetables for life? To my amazement, the simple and straight answer was: Vegetables are the lifeblood of our farmers. I believe it is true, not only for Taiwanese farmers but also for all vegetable farmers around the world. It came as a reminder that vegetables are important ingredients in our lives not only for health reasons but for social, economic, and ecological considerations, as well.

During our younger days, vegetables were difficult to eat. They were slimy and difficult to swallow. Our parents would make all the threats and excuses in order that the vegetable dish they prepared would be eaten and appreciated. They prepared and presented the dishes in a way that they were pleasing to our very young eyes. Why did they do so? The real reason is, vegetables are our life, they make us healthy. The context behind this is, our lives are short lived and we need to be vibrant, healthy and strong. We maintain our youthfulness with style. Vegetables simply add life.

The decision to prepare and publish this last quarter issue is a challenging one. The BAR R&D Digest Editorial Board agreed to feature what we have done with vegetable research and development (R&D) over the last couple of years or during the administration of Director Nicomedes P. Eleazar. It was a good decision because we are highlighting recent and up-to-date projects, activities, and areas for research that are socially, economically and ecologically relevant in our times. Indigenous vegetables are coming back to the mainstream of R&D. Organically grown vegetable, as answer to the health buffs and enthusiasts are improved for food safety. Historical and cultural researches have become important part of the R&D milieu in order that social science be accepted in the arena of agriculture R&D.

These trends in vegetable R&D lead DA-BAR to refocus its programs making them relevant and valuable. “Vegetables for life” are a representation and reminder to all of us to make our efforts in vegetable R&D simpler, healthier, suitable, and client-oriented.