The SM Foundation continues to work toward a future where farmers are empowered, able to share knowledge with the community and collectively work on elevating the entire industry through modern agriculture.
In line with this vision, several farmers from Pampanga, Tarlac, Camarines Sur and Albay recently completed SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan on Sustainable Agriculture Program.
Under the KSK program, farmers first underwent hands-on lectures on modern farming methods and marketing and business principles to arm them with updated agricultural knowledge and skills.
After weeks of learning sessions, the farmers held harvest festivals in their demo farms and joined market tours with SM Markets to explore selling opportunities.
Since 2007, the program has benefited over 28,000 marginalized farmers, with some graduates becoming seasonal suppliers for the SM group and local markets.
The SM Foundation’s KSK-SAP is conducted in partnership with SM Supermalls, SM Markets and government agencies such as the departments of Agriculture, Social Welfare, Science and Technology and Trade and Industry, along with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and partner farm schools.