Our farmers are at the heart of everything we do. They provide us with beautiful fresh produce and collaborate with us on sustainable growing practices we bring to the table and those they bring which have been handed down over generations of proudly working ‘with’ the land.
Here are just a few of our farming heroes:
Age: 76 years old - first generation farmer
Region: La Trinidad and Kibungan
Originally from the province of Kibungan, Benguet, Bukal has been farming for the past 50 years. He had to fend for himself from a young age when he lost his father so he began working as a “komboy” (market boy). Whilst a teenager, Bukal encountered a Military Commander who was in critical need of emergency treatment. Because of his kind heart, he helped rush the commander to the nearest hospital. Once the commander woke up, he immediately called for Bukal and granted him a piece of land. Bukal worked hard and began investing in his own farm until he was able to procure more land and allow other farmers to rent it for an affordable price.
Bukal’s kind heart and strong work ethic allowed his farm to flourish. Devoted to his farm and his workers (Bukal also supports up to 10-20 workers on his farm depending on the season), Bukal continues to work his land and is still proudly farming sweet strawberries, popular sayotes, crisp quality, cabbage and tasty cauliflower today.
Age: 64 years old - first generation farmer
Region: La Trinidad and Kapangan
Tony and his wife have been renting a piece of land which they have successfully farmed for 20 years. Tony worked the farm himself until his wife joined him to help improve their standard of living and raise their children.
They have a strong work ethic and truly believe in the saying “You reap what you sow” which has helped them achieve contentment in their life as farmers.
They work the farm with the help of 4 family members to grow deliciously sweet strawberries and beautiful, healthy lettuce.
Age: 70 years old - third generation farmer
Region: La Trinidad and Kibungan
Maximina has been working with her husband on the family farm for almost 40 years, during which time she also raised 8 children. They enjoy farming in La Trinidad where they employ up to 10 local workers and have access to more varieties of seeds to grow.
She works happily alongside her husband and with their team growing deliciously sweet strawberries and crisp, quality cabbages.