Agricultural Cooperatives Emerge as Key Defense Against Food Insecurity in the Philippines
Agricultural cooperatives have been identified as a vital shield against food shortages in the Philippines, as escalating global oil prices and the looming threat of El Niño endanger production and supply chains. This critical role was highlighted during the three-day Knowledge and Learning, Innovations, and Trade Expo (Kite), held from April 15 to 17, 2026, in Cebu.
Strengthening Cooperative Systems for Resilience
The event was organized by the Philippine Family Farmers Agriculture Fishery Forestry Cooperative Federation (AgriCOOPh), where government officials and cooperative leaders agreed to bolster cooperative systems to protect farmers and consumers from economic and climate shocks. Irish Baguilat, a program officer at the Asian Farmers’ Association, emphasized that small-scale farmers are already suffering from high fertilizer costs. She pointed out that cooperative initiatives, such as producing organic and bio-input fertilizers like Tahakura, offer viable solutions.
"This is where, what some of the agri-cooperatives have already been doing that we needed to build on," Baguilat stated, underscoring the production of organic and low-input fertilizers by cooperatives.
Strategic Plans and Innovations
AgriCOOPh Chairman Edelito Sangco revealed plans to directly import fertilizers, such as nano-urea, through partnerships with international federations in India. This bulk procurement strategy aims to make fertilizers more affordable for farmers. Additionally, the federation seeks to shift farmers' mindsets from subsistence farming to viewing agriculture as a business enterprise.
Plans also include establishing an Agricultural Cooperative Development Academy in collaboration with TESDA to train members. CDA Assistant Secretary Luz Yringco disclosed that there are over 7,000 agricultural cooperatives nationwide, but they are fragmented. To address this, the CDA is promoting cooperative mergers, offering incentives up to P1 million to achieve economies of scale.
Enhancing Logistics and Market Access
An "agri-cooperative ecosystem" is being implemented to streamline logistics, including the use of vehicles as mobile stores to bring products closer to markets. Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival highlighted the precarious situation in the city, noting that 65 percent of its food supply comes from outside Cebu, emphasizing the urgency of these cooperative efforts.
