Franklin Baker Company of the Philippines celebrated the culmination of SDG Coco, one of their key sustainability projects, last November. The event entitled “Padagos: Sustaining the Coconut Journey” saw the gathering of project partners, participating farmers and associations, and LGU representatives in Daet, Camarines Norte, to celebrate milestones, recognize the farmers, and acknowledge the contributions of everyone involved.
A collaboration of both public and private sectors, Franklin Baker teamed up with Symrise, The Absolut Company (Malibu), GIZ, Philippine Coconut Authority and Agricultural Training Institute to help improve the socio-economic and environmental sustainability of the Philippine coconut industry. With focus on the first level of the supply chain (farmers), SDG Coco centered on improving farm productivity, farmer income, as well as community engagement, creating opportunities for enhanced market access and support for 500 farmers in Laguna, Quezon and Camarines Norte. Specific project components include capacity building, farm upgrading and sustainability enhancement, plus strengthening of farmer groups.
To date, a total of 526 farmers have been trained in good agricultural and sustainable practices plus basic farm business management, equipping them with knowledge and skills to help them manage their farms better and ensure resiliency. Three demonstration farms have also been established to showcase coconut-based farming systems and innovation, two of which are now accredited as Coconut Learning Sites for Agriculture. Learning materials developed, such as workbooks and videos, were also turned over to PCA to be utilized as tools for knowledge and skills development, and to expand farmer reach outside the project.
SDG Coco is a four-year project which started in March 2020. While the project has concluded, the entire team believes this is just the start of something that can be carried on for several generations. The involvement of the entire supply chain in this project has shown the power of collective action, and this something that Franklin Baker will continue to work on in their thrust of supporting Filipino coconut farmers.
For more information, visit GIZ’s website at https://www.giz.de/en/worldwide/202297.html
SDG COCO PROJECT: RAISING THE BAR ON COCONUT FARMING
