SM Prime Holdings (SMPH), one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, will allot some of the underutilized spaces in its select shopping malls to farmers and cooperatives free of charge.
           

This, after signing a joint memorandum of understanding with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Resto PH, a group of restaurant owners with outlets situated at various malls in the country,
           

The joint project, called the “Farmers Produce”, aims to set up something like a Kadiwa store in some of the country’s biggest shopping malls. Kadiwa is the farm-to-market marketing program of the DA that connects farmers directly to consumers.
          

 Under the new agreement, SM will provide underutilized spaces free of charge for farmers and cooperatives to showcase their local produce including herbs and seedlings, dairy products, condiments and seasonings, local beverages, and wines.
         

 Members of Resto PH then committed to source their ingredients from the makeshift food markets located in the same mall where they are located.
          

“This win-win solution will immensely help us reboot the economy, demonstrating the need to strengthen our food production and distribution systems during crisis and non-crisis situations,” Agriculture Secretary William Dar said.
          

The DA chief added that the collaboration will also minimize the adverse effect of any disruption on national food security and the livelihood of stakeholders across the food value chain.
           

The “Farmers Produce,” which was launched at SM Aura Premier’s Skypark last week, likewise targets to extend accessible and affordable food for consumers through a venue that is safe for the public where health protocols are strictly observed by mall operators.
           

Resto PH President Eric Teng said the initiative seeks to encourage food growers to produce quality vegetables in large volumes. Last Friday, Resto PH members prepared various menus utilizing farmers’ produce.
            

The activity was participated by Cada Farmers Agriculture Cooperative for highland vegetables, L. Sanchez Farm for lowland vegetables, Liwon Namal Farmers Tomato Association, Optimum Health Poultry and Livestock Farm Corporation, National Dairy Authority, Pasciolco Agri Ventures for coconut-based condiment, Balai Kabute Farm, and Mira’s Turmeric Products.
          

Vikings, Terry’s, Teriyaki Bros., Eggs & Breakfast Café, King Chef, 102 Izakaya, Mamou, Tasteless group, Bag o Shrimps, JT’s Manukan, Mango Tree, Genki Sushi, Kureji, Cocina Peruvia, and Sen Ryo are among their current partners.
          

The “Farmers Produce” food market is open to the public from Friday to Sunday, but the DA plans to open more outlets in other malls and have them operating up to seven days a week.
           

It will be held next at The Podium on July 15 to 17, 2020.
           

“We will start in Metro Manila but we also intend to do this in other parts of the country,” DA Assistant Secretary for Agribusiness and Marketing Kristine Evangelista said.
          

According to the price comparison done by the DA’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS), consumers can save 15 to 20 percent when buying fresh produce from the Kadiwa Farmers’ Produce compared to other nearby markets in Metro Manila.