CARGILL PHILIPPINES, Inc. said that it is planning to invest about $2.6 million in projects aimed at supporting farmers and the agriculture sectors.
“Cargill envisions a future marked by shared success with Filipino farmers, as well as our employees, customers, industry and government partners,” Cargill Philippines President Sonny Q. Catacutan said in a statement.
“By coming together, we can scale our impact in transforming the local agriculture sector and helping build vibrant and resilient communities that thrive,” Mr. Catacutan added.
The company said that it is planning to rehabilitate the Tigiro River in Batangas located along a company plant.
“This investment will launch the Adopt-a-River for Tigiro River project where Cargill aims to rehabilitate the river that runs beside their processing plant in Batangas,” the company said.
It added that a part of the investment will be allocated towards local corn and coconut producers through “training on sustainable agricultural practices, improved productivity and market access, and increased income.”
The projects include the Agri-Sagana project aimed at creating value for 7,000 corn producers and 10 cooperatives in Isabela and Cagayan.
It added that the investment would also go to the training of 300 to 400 coconut farmers in Bohol.
“We believe in supporting local communities to pave the way for a more inclusive and resilient food system and sustainable future for Filipinos,” he said.
Meanwhile, the company said that in its goal to reduce carbon emissions, it will plant about 7,500 trees across locations where it operates to capture at least 25,000 tons of carbon.
“This initiative reflects the company’s commitment to sustainability and will be done along with its community partners from Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation,” it added. — Adrian H. Halili
