In the lush fields of Oriental Mindoro, a revolution is quietly unfolding among calamansi farmers, transforming their fortunes through the power of cooperation and sustainable practices.
As the world marks the International Day of Cooperatives on July 6, 2024, the success story of Oriental Mindoro's calamansi industry stands as a testament to the potential of collaborative efforts in agriculture.
The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) has been at the forefront of this transformation, implementing innovative strategies that have significantly boosted yields, income, and community well-being.
"Empowering local farmers through cooperatives is a cornerstone of sustainable agricultural development," said Dr. Glenn Gregorio, SEARCA Center Director. "By providing the necessary tools and knowledge, we enable farmers to improve their livelihoods and contribute to the broader economic growth."
SEARCA's initiatives have focused on enhancing the value chain for calamansi farmers, a citrus fruit native to the Philippines.
The organization has conducted comprehensive workshops and field demonstrations, teaching farmers modern cultivation methods, pest management, and postharvest handling techniques.
One of the key beneficiaries of this program is the Victoria Kalamansi Farmers Federation. Its president, Ruel Sanchez, credits SEARCA for the federation's establishment.
"The consolidation of calamansi farmers has enabled us to secure support and funding from government agencies like the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Trade and Industry," Sanchez in a press statement.
The federation's success highlights the strength in numbers that cooperatives can provide.
By banding together, small-scale farmers have gained access to resources and markets that were previously out of reach.
SEARCA's approach goes beyond just increasing production. Farmers have been trained in organic farming methods, soil health management, and water conservation techniques. This holistic strategy not only boosts productivity but also ensures environmental sustainability, a crucial factor in long-term agricultural success.
Market linkages have been another focus area. SEARCA has facilitated connections between farmer cooperatives and potential buyers, including supermarkets, food processing companies, and export markets. This has helped farmers secure better prices and more stable income streams, providing economic stability to rural communities.
The impact of these initiatives extends beyond Oriental Mindoro.
In neighboring Quezon Province, SEARCA has been working with coconut farmer cooperatives to address challenges of declining productivity and market instability.
Jonathan Sibolino, President of the San Antonio Pala Coconut Farmers Agriculture Cooperative in Catanauan, Quezon Province, shared how SEARCA's coconut industry development project has influenced government policy.
"The interventions proposed by SEARCA have shaped the direction of government support for coconut farmers in our province," Sibolino said.
The success in Quezon includes the introduction of intercropping systems, where farmers now grow high-value crops like cacao and coffee alongside their coconut trees. This diversification has improved soil health and provided additional income sources.
SEARCA has also helped craft the Quezon Coconut Industry Roadmap (2024-2026), aiming to improve farmers' lives by expanding production, increasing farm productivity, and empowering farmers' organizations.
Dr. Gregorio emphasized that these success stories are a testament to the immense potential of cooperatives in agricultural development.
"With these initiatives, SEARCA not only supports agricultural development but also helps strengthen the social fabric of rural areas, fostering a sense of community and shared progress," he said.
As climate change and market volatilities continue to pose challenges to small-scale farmers, the cooperative model offers a beacon of hope. By pooling resources, sharing knowledge, and collectively negotiating with markets, farmers are better equipped to face these challenges.
The Oriental Mindoro success story serves as an inspiration for other farming communities across Southeast Asia.
SEARCA reaffirms its commitment to empowering farmer cooperatives across the Philippines.
"We will continue to champion initiatives that drive innovation, sustainability, partnership, and prosperity for our farming communities," Dr. Gregorio affirmed, pointing towards a future where cooperation and sustainable practices go hand in hand in shaping the agricultural landscape of Southeast Asia.