For many smallholder farmers, better farming practices can start with something as simple as having someone nearby who knows how to apply new ideas to local conditions.
That is the role Jollibee Group Foundation’s (JGF) Agri-Tech Facilitators Program hopes to strengthen through a new partnership with the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB).
JGF and UPLB have formalized a partnership covering farmer training, knowledge sharing, technology transfer, research, and capacity building. The goal is practical, which is to help smallholder farmers improve productivity, strengthen their enterprises, and adopt more sustainable farming practices.
Under the partnership, UPLB will contribute its expertise in agricultural research, extension, and innovation, while JGF will bring its experience in building inclusive agricultural value chains and supporting smallholder farmers through its Farmer Entrepreneurship Program.
A key focus will be the continued development of JGF’s Agri-Tech Facilitators, made up of farmer leaders and community-based agricultural extension workers. They help fellow farmers identify, test, understand, and adopt technologies and farming practices suited to their communities.
Because these facilitators work within the communities they serve, technical knowledge can become easier to understand and apply on actual farms. Strengthening their training can give farmer organizations more consistent access to guidance on agricultural innovations, productivity, profitability, and sustainability.
The partnership may also open opportunities to explore new farming technologies and capacity-building initiatives for crops such as green bell pepper.
JGF’s Farmer Entrepreneurship Program has supported more than 1,800 smallholder farmers across 12 provinces. Together, these farmers have supplied more than 20 million kilos of produce and generated over ₱1 billion in farmer income.
The work shows how support can go beyond training. When farmers have knowledge, stronger organizations, market access, and people who can help translate new ideas into practice, they gain more tools to build sustainable livelihoods.
Partnerships like this also offer something others can build on. If JGF and UPLB can bring their strengths together to support farming communities, businesses, schools, civic groups, and even groups of friends can find their own ways to contribute to farmers and food security. Sometimes, making a difference starts with asking what your community needs and finding the right people to help.
