Agriculture engineer Jose Emie Siojo is recognized for his pioneering work in introducing advanced greenhouse technologies to the Philippines. Yet as he pushes farmers toward modernization, he emphasizes a crucial piece of advice for aspiring farmers: identify your market first before going into agriculture.
Siojo, who leads Turbulent Greenhouse, a thriving business with over a hundred employees and operates a popular farm in Tagaytay, has become a significant player in the agricultural sector. His journey began with flower cultivation at Island Rose but quickly evolved into something far more significant. When the pandemic struck and food security became a pressing concern, Siojo pivoted his business toward year-round vegetable production using high-tech greenhouses.
Today, his greenhouses in Tagaytay are a model of precision agriculture. However, beyond the technology, Siojo stresses that understanding the market is just as important, if not more so.
“Start with your market,” he advises. “It is easy to grow crops, but if you are not sure about your market, you will just end up frustrated.”
STRATEGIC PIVOT DURING PANDEMIC
As the world grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic, food supply chains were severely disrupted, and Siojo saw an opportunity to expand his operations. He invested in greenhouses that allowed for precise control of environmental factors, enabling year-round production of vegetables.
His integrated farm featured greenhouses full of vibrant bell Palermo peppers, odorless native pig enclosures, and fish ponds that naturally fertilized crops. Siojo even ventured into egg production, raising chickens and quails in well-maintained coops, turning his farm into a thriving agribusiness.
One of Siojo’s most notable projects is his collaboration with Michael Caballes, the Chief Farmer at Bukid Amara in Lucban, Quezon. Together, they built a dedicated greenhouse for growing Japanese melons—a delicate crop that requires precise attention to environmental conditions. This project highlighted the potential of precision agriculture in the Philippines and the possibilities for high-value crop production.
EXHIBITOR AT AGRILINK 2024
Siojo’s innovations are on full display at the Agrilink, Aqualink, Foodlink 2024 expo, currently being held at the World Trade Center. As an exhibitor, Turbulent Greenhouse is showcasing the latest in agricultural technology, offering farmers and agribusiness owners a glimpse of the future. Agrilink is the country's premier agribusiness event, and Siojo's participation underscores his role in driving the agricultural sector forward with modern farming techniques.
Siojo’s deep understanding of precision agriculture was shaped by his early career experiences. Before founding Turbulent Greenhouse, he worked for Netafim, a leading Israeli company specializing in irrigation solutions. His time at Netafim, combined with his work at Planters Products, Inc., gave him the technical expertise and global connections to bring advanced agricultural solutions to the Philippines.
Through seminars and partnerships with agricultural technology firms, Siojo and Caballes aim to elevate local farmers’ practices. They want the Philippines to catch up with agricultural powerhouses like Israel, Thailand, Taiwan, and the Netherlands, particularly in adopting greenhouse technologies. Despite challenges such as the local climate and disruptions in the global supply chain due to conflicts abroad, Siojo remains undeterred in his mission to transform Philippine agriculture.
MARKET-DRIVEN FUTURE
Siojo’s success points to the importance of pairing innovation with a keen understanding of the market. His advice for aspiring farmers comes from experience.
"Growing crops is one thing, but knowing where and how to sell them is key to sustained success. Many farmers enter the business with great enthusiasm but lack a clear strategy for how their produce will reach consumers. This often leads to frustration and wasted resources," he says.
By contrast, Siojo’s approach has been methodical. He studies market demand and only grows crops he knows will sell, whether it’s bell peppers or high-value Japanese melons. This strategy has helped him avoid the common pitfall of overproduction without guaranteed buyers.
A GLIMPSE OF THE FUTURE
Visitors at Siojo's impressive booth at Agrilink are fascinated with the picture-perfect tomatoes, cucumber, melons, and peppers that are on display. "Akala ko plastic (I thought they were plastic)," was the comment of one.
Siojo’s greenhouses represent not just a technological upgrade but a glimpse of what is possible for the future of Philippine farming. His work in precision agriculture has already helped farmers increase productivity, minimize waste, and reduce their reliance on the unpredictable climate.
As the world continues to move toward more sustainable and efficient farming methods, market-focused technical men and women like Siojo will play a crucial role in guiding the industry forward. His participation in Agrilink 2024 only highlights the growing importance of modern farming techniques and the vital role of understanding market demands in ensuring the success of the agricultural sector.