RESILIENT WOMEN FARMERS

Nestled in the remote mountains of Bauko, the first town of the Mountain Province, lies a group of remarkable female farmers. These determined women belong to the Chico River Organic Practitioners Organization (CROPO) and have grown delicious, organic produce in their backyards.

CROPO farmers have bid farewell to the conventional farming practice of monoculture, which involves growing a single crop over a large area. Monoculture poses a harm to the conservation of biodiversity, increases the vulnerability of crops to pests, and leads to soil exhaustion.

Embracing a fresher approach, the CROPO farms display a diverse range of produce, including lettuce, carrots, sayote, tomatoes, and string beans, among others. They grow a variety of crops side by side over a bed of nutrient-rich soil without the use of artificial chemicals that can alter their natural taste. Each harvest possesses an organic flavor that sets it apart from those grown through traditional methods.

BOUNTIFUL VARIETY AND ITS CHALLENGES

From sweet pears to thriving rosemary, nutritious beets and carrots to assorted cabbages, their farms flourish amidst various obstacles. Each bountiful harvest showcases the unwavering dedication of our farmers.

Their remote location presents them with a unique set of challenges. Unlike other farming communities close to each other with access to clear roads and easy transportation, the CROPO farms are spread apart. They are separated by steep mountains, slippery paths, and rocky creeks making walking the most efficient way of transportation in this area. Apart from this, they are located over 300km or over an 8-hour drive away from Metro Manila creating a larger divide between them and their consumers.

The determined CROPO farmers continue to work hard despite everything they are facing. Their vibrant fields reveal the transformative power of organic farming, yielding superfoods and creating a sustainable future.

REMOTE LOCATION & CLIMATE VULNERABILITY

We worked with Good Food Community to build crop rain shelters protecting crops from inclement weather. These help increase the farmers’ yield therefore securing their livelihood.

Learn how Sub-Zero and Wolf helped these farmers and continue to nurture freshness from the seed.