Despite the push for industrialization, the Philippines remains largely an agricultural country. In fact, almost a fourth of the local workforce is in the agri sector. Yet, there has been inadequate support for the industry. We lack the technology and the manpower; and our laws don’t make necessarily make it easy for our farmers to fulfill and sustain their occupations. Fortunately, some individuals and organizations have sprung up in support of them; paving the way for common folk like us to help—and connect with—the people who produce our food:

BukidFresh
BukidFresh began as a school requirement for Aaron David and Gorby Dimalanta. After graduating, the pair decided to pursue the venture full-time. “Our aim is to help local farmers earn more by providing them a wider market for their produce… we [also] want to provide fresh and nutritious produce to people living in urban areas at an affordable price.”

BukidFresh’s partners are generally smallholder farmer cooperatives from Cavite and Laguna; and most of them have been with the organization since it started. This set-up helps not just the farmers, but their entire community, as well.

Farm to Folk
Farm To Folk (FTF) stems from an advocacy to provide a better quality of life for Filipinos by making healthy products accessible. “The process is simple and direct, just as our brand name. We source the goods, [which includes grains, coconut, cacao, fruit/veg powders, and coffee,] straight from farms, fulfilling orders to our customers.”

Beyond their direct-from-farm process, FTF founders Adrienne Tan and Carl Lee also work to provide proper resources to their farmers. Prior to launching, they spent four to five months getting to know their partners—their capacities, insights, and needs. They make sure to educate their farmers about natural farming; and that includes providing them with organic seeds and crop capital.

At the end of the day, though, FTF believes that “the ultimate power to help create impactful change in our agriculture sector rests on the Filipino folk. With increased demand for local, organic products, our Filipino farmers can have fair, sustainable livelihood.”