Corporate Farming Program Boosts Yields and Profits in Pangasinan

Pangasinan's corporate farming program has seen remarkable results since its launch in 2022, with farmers experiencing increased yields and profits due to economies of scale and access to zero-interest credit and training. This innovative approach has brought together small plot farmers, clustering them to form bigger and more efficient farms. The program, which operates through a convergence of farmer cooperatives, local governments, and private partners, aims to make farming a sustainable and profitable enterprise.

Key Takeaways:

• The Pozorrubio East and West Farmers Association (Pewfa) has 115 members, with 24 farmers participating in the corporate farming program, showing a significant increase in yields and profits.
• Since joining the program, Estaris' harvest has grown from 120 cavans (50 kilograms per cavan) to 150 cavans per cropping season, a 25% increase.
• Leankin Jude, Pewfa president, has led the association in modernizing practices, boosting yields, and securing government and private support.
• Farmer-members receive training on new farming technologies and pest and disease management, while accessing fertilizer and pesticide on zero-interest credit from the Provincial Agriculture Office.
• Data from the Provincial Agriculture Office shows a 13.59% yield increase during the March harvest, with 12 additional cavans per hectare.
• Net income for hybrid rice farmers rose by 42.85%, while inbred farmers saw a 57.49% boost, indicating significant economic benefits.
• Governor Ramon Guico III emphasizes the importance of economies of scale, citing that clustering small plots together leads to more efficient inputs, higher yields, and lower costs.
• The program operates through a convergence of farmer cooperatives, local governments, the Department of Agriculture, and private partners, providing a supportive structure for farmers.
• With 1,442 farmers from 54 cooperatives in 46 towns part of the program, corporate farming becomes a sustainable and profitable enterprise, with a long-term goal of improved yields, income, and community support.

Statistics:

• 115 members in the Pozorrubio East and West Farmers Association
• 24 farmers participating in the corporate farming program
• 25% increase in Estaris' harvest since joining the program
• 13.59% yield increase during the March harvest (12 additional cavans per hectare)
• 42.85% net income boost for hybrid rice farmers
• 57.49% net income boost for inbred farmers
• 1,442 farmers from 54 cooperatives in 46 towns part of the program
• 1,000 hectares under the corporate farming program
• P20,684 increase in net income for hybrid rice farmers
• P21,245 increase in net income for inbred farmers

Sources:

• "At 76, Felomino Estaris has joined the 'corporate' world" - [The Philippine Star]
• "Pangasinan's corporate farming program" - [The Philippine Star]
• "Economies of scale: Key to success of Pangasinan's corporate farming program" - [The Philippine Star]
• Interview with Governor Ramon Guico III - [The Philippine Star]