Experiences of Small Cassava Farmers in Bukidnon

Experiences of Small Cassava Farmers in Bukidnon, presented by Ms. Agnes Bolaños, Executive Director, Agri-Aqua Coalition for Development- Mindanao, related about the case of Balugo farmers’ Multi-purpose Cooperative in supplying cassava chips and by-products to San Miguel Corporation, one of the biggest food and beverage processing company in the Philippines.

She explained the scope and volume requirements of the trading and how the small farmholders are organized to meet this market’s demands. Ms. Bolaños said that the farmer s have proven that the use of organic farming method (due to its low-cost inputs and nourishment of soil) is the most beneficial, profitable, and reliable method of production.

She also said that commodity consolidation is very important as it is very difficult to negotiate if one could not comply with the volume requirements of the market. Finally, she related that the private sector has been showing interest in developing communities but don’t know how and where to begin. Civil society can help in providing linkage, direction, and concrete proposals that the private sector can consider.

Download Experiences of Small Cassava Farmers in Bukidnon