How To Support Filipino Farmers this ECQ

There are two good things that came out of the ECQ for me. 

One is it has proven that the BAYANIHAN spirit is still very much alive despite the seemingly endless divide between people that we see on Facebook; Filipinos are naturally hospitable and helpful, and these virtues shone bright and gave hope to those who have been gravely affected by COVID-19 (but may this serve as a lesson that we should vote much more wisely next time!).

The second is it is highly possible to support Filipino farmers and livestock producers directly by giving them fair market share, introducing them to digital to expand their reach, and trying to make sure that every farmer gets a fair share of the pie by reaching out to SMEs that tap even far- flung farms and micro producers; all it takes is just a change in buying behavior, which has been dramatically shifted by the Coronavirus.

That said, here are SMEs that have adopted the 'farm-to-table' concept that you can support this ECQ and beyond; these produce suppliers deliver so you can stay at home, be safe, do your part in flattening the curve.

1. FARMFETCH

- One of the new players in the fresh produce delivery field, FarmFetch provides on-demand delivery service in just an hour through Grabmart. You can customize your cart or choose from their packages, namely the Highlands Box or Lowlands Box for P569 only for 5 kilos of handpicked vergetables. FarmFetch is a great option if you forgot to pick up vegetables in your grocery run and need them asap.

FarmFetch supports vegetable farmers from Benguet, Mountain Province.

Visit FARMFETCH on Facebook for more information.

2. SESSION GROCERIES

- Session Groceries is one of the fresh produce delivery services that gained fame in social media because the company was formed to help farmers sell overproduce vegetables and rice due to the mandatory importation of the aforementioned produce imposed by the government. What started as a mission has turned into a business and now, a movement because fans of the company have mobilized on their own and created a community that reaches out to farmers who need help the most as well as those located in far- flung and impoverished areas.

Session Groceries supports farmers from Tarlac, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Mindoro, Baguio, and Benguet to name a few. You can purchase from them via the Session Groceries official app. Visit SESSION GROCERIES on Facebook for more information and to get updates on the next pooling of orders.

3. GK ENCHANTED FARMS

- One of the known produce suppliers, GK Enchanted Farms, has launched the BAYAN ANIHAN initiative that helps impoverished farmers and micro farms gain wider market access, receive a fair share of income, and introduces new farming technologies to help farmers improve and update their skills.

Visit GK ENCHANTED FARMS on Facebook for more information about the cause and to support.

4. BUKID FRESH

- Bukid Fresh is another player in the field that promises fresh produce, budget- friendly prices, and environment- conscious sourcing and production; they pay just rates to the farmers too!

Filipino Farmers are one of the underpaid sectors and now, their livelihoods are hit hard by the pandemic and this further threatens their life security. Thankfully, with these businesses and our continuous support, our farmers will continue to hope and live. Let us all nourish those who continually provide nourishment for us.

Please visit BUKID FRESH on Facebook to order.

Please spread the word. <3 p="">