Cargill Philippines, a local subsidiary of the global food and agribusiness leader, doubles down on its commitment to sustainability and nourishing communities with $2.6 million in investments to mark its 75th anniversary in the country this year.
Sonny Catacutan, country manager of Cargill Philippines, announced in a statement that the American agriculture company is investing $2.6 million to support existing and new projects that advance farmer livelihood and the agriculture industry, as well as drive environmental impact.
“Enriching local communities is embedded in Cargill’s purpose to nourish the world, driving progress in our efforts to deliver meaningful social and environmental impact where we live and work. We believe in supporting local communities to pave the way for a more inclusive and resilient food system and sustainable future for Filipinos,” said Catacutan, Country President of Cargill Philippines.
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.
Part of the investment will also be allocated to expand Cargill’s long-term efforts to support smallholder corn and coconut farmers through training on sustainable agricultural practices, improved productivity and market access, and increased income.
These efforts comprise the Agri-Sagana Project in partnership with ASSIST, which will create value for an additional 7,000 corn farming families and 10 cooperatives in Isabela and Cagayan; and the RISE Coco (Recovery Intervention for SEverely Affected Coconut Farming Communities of Bohol by ST Odette) Project in partnership with CARE Philippines train an additional 300- 400 coconut farmers in Bohol.
Catacutan expressed optimism that Cargill will remain bullish to grow its businesses and to give back to communities in the country. “Cargill envisions a future marked by shared success with Filipino farmers, as well as our employees, customers, industry and government partners. By coming together, we can scale our impact in transforming the local agriculture sector and helping build vibrant and resilient communities that thrive,” said Catacutan.
From its beginnings to its current position as a key player in the country’s agricultural landscape, Cargill has consistently pushed the boundaries in the pursuit of a thriving, sustainable future. As part of its anniversary, Cargill Philippines will plant a variety of 7,500 trees across the locations of where they operate 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 (ASSIST).