What happens when a food writer with a knack for storytelling meets a sustainable agriculturist determined to transform local farming?

Together, JJ Yulo, Writer, Food Creative and Kit Torno, Sustainable Agriculturist, are reshaping how food is grown, priced and valued in the Philippines.

Their shared advocacy for sustainability isn’t just a discussion — it’s a call to action, urging us to reconnect with the people and practices behind what we eat and to support a future that’s both ethical and delicious.

In a recent episode of DAILY TRIBUNE’s Straight Talk, the two trailblazers discussed their passion for food, sustainability and local farming.

As prominent figures in their respective fields, Yulo and Torno stand out for their commitment to addressing the challenges and opportunities in food sustainability.

Kit Torno’s journey into farming began with a trip to Tuscany, Italy, where he and his wife were inspired by a dining experience that showcased freshly harvested food from the land.

This sparked their dream of replicating that concept in the Philippines.

“When my wife and I got married, we were both corporate. We said we wanted to do something in farming, but we didn’t know how. The inspiration for seven hectares came from Tuscany, where we dined on everything they grew on the land,” Torno shared.

Torno now owns Seven Hectares, a sustainable aquaculture farm specializing in barramundi, a type of seabass. Often dismissed as a pest by traditional farms due to its predatory nature, barramundi became a sustainable solution for Torno when raised in a contained, controlled environment.

Beyond being a farming operation, his pond aims to reverse the environmental damage caused by overfishing and mismanagement.

Torno’s team of marine biologists ensures toxin-free, healthy seafood production, a commitment validated by the absence of allergic reactions among their clients.

He emphasized the importance of sustainable aquaculture practices. His vision is to revive appreciation for quality food — not just among consumers but also by educating communities on supporting local farmers and paying fair prices for their produce.

Food, taste trek

Meanwhile, renowned writer and food creative JJ Yulo reflected on his role in promoting food education and cultural awareness. For Yulo, food is more than just taste — it’s about understanding its origins, the people who produce it, and the stories behind the dishes we enjoy.

Like many Filipinos, Yulo’s love for food was nurtured at family gatherings. Growing up, he developed a deep appreciation for the connections food fosters. His belief in the value of food as a medium for storytelling and community is a cornerstone of his work.

Yulo in his writing and hosting sheds light on the often-overlooked labor of farmers and fishermen, emphasizing the need to pay fair prices and honor the effort behind food production.

His goal is to shift consumer perspectives toward respecting the labor-intensive process that ensures local agriculture thrives.

Both Torno and Yulo underscored the need for consumer education — teaching people about the environmental and financial costs of food production and why paying a premium for sustainably produced food matters.

They believe that understanding these factors is crucial for creating a thriving ecosystem that uplifts farmers, communities, and the environment.

The duo also highlighted how their movement goes beyond eating better food — it’s about fostering an ecosystem that supports local farmers and encourages sustainable practices. It’s a call to rethink the entire food system, from cultivation to consumption, with an emphasis on ethical and sustainable choices.

Through their distinct but complementary approaches — whether farming or storytelling — Kit Torno and JJ Yulo are united in their passion for food sustainability.

Their conversation on Straight Talk serves as a reminder that food is more than sustenance; it’s a reflection of culture, community and the environment.