SMC's sustainable farming practices yield strong results

Sustainable farming practices implemented by San Miguel Foods, the food unit of conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC), have yielded positive results in the first half, boosting incomes for its extensive network of farmers nationwide.

- RICHMOND MERCURIO

SMC said its long-running regenerative agriculture program has yielded over 90,000 metric tons of cassava in the first semester, 44 percent higher year-on-year.

An initiative that has been ongoing for many years now and in place in more than half of all the provinces in the country, the company’s Cassava Assemblers Program has steadily grown and has resulted in higher yields, according to SMC chairman and CEO Ramon Ang.

“Through our Cassava Assemblers Program, we offer a guaranteed market with purchase agreements, a fixed floor price and a comprehensive technical assistance. We continue to engage with and encourage farmers to organize themselves and form small businesses to assemble a minimum of 20 hectares of cassava plantation,” Ang said.