SM ramps up small farming programs

In an effort to drive grassroots development and reinforce food security, the SM Group is intensifying its support for the country’s smallholder farmers.

Through its flagship Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) farming program, SM Foundation has trained over 32,000 farmers in practical and sustainable farming techniques.

Including initiatives led by its affiliate, the Philippine Geothermal Production Co. (PGPC), the group’s reach has grown to more than 49,000 farmers across the Philippines.

The program is set for further expansion in 2025, targeting rural and often overlooked communities in Northern Mindanao, the Bicol Region, and parts of the Visayas ­—bringing skills training and market opportunities directly to where they’re most needed.

“We believe inclusive growth starts at the community level,” Cristie Angeles, SM Foundation’s assistant vice president for Livelihood and Outreach Programs, said.

Securing supply chains

“By investing in smallholder farmers, we are not only helping secure local food supply chains but also creating pathways to improved quality of life in the rural sector.”

The KSK program delivers hands-on learning focused on backyard and small-scale farming methods designed to enhance productivity and crop quality. Beyond fieldwork, it provides crucial links to local markets.

It connects farmers to SM’s extensive supplier network — encouraging the formation of cooperatives and enabling more reliable, long-term income for families in the agricultural sector.

These efforts mirror key findings from the Asian Development Bank, which highlights that smallholder farmers make up 84 percent of farms in developing countries and produce nearly a third of the world’s food.

In the Philippines, where most rural farmers operate on less than a hectare of land, access to technology, training, and commercial markets remains a vital need.

To address this, SM launched the SM Weekend Market, a platform that enables farmers and agripreneurs to sell their produce directly to customers in high-traffic mall locations, thereby broadening their customer base and offering immediate revenue opportunities.

SM’s community-building initiatives also extend into urban settings. Through PGPC, the group supports sustainable gardening and urban agriculture in partnership with the Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems, identifying viable farm sites for long-term cultivation even in city spaces.