SM Mindpro launches ‘Farmer’s Market’

FROM PROVIDING training farmers and to the opening of farmer’s market, the SM Foundation Inc.’s (SMFI) Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK), a multi-stakeholder campaign, said it will now shift its activities in helping farmers by providing them market exposure through pop-up booths at SM City Mindpro in Zamboanga City.

The SM Foundation Inc.’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan Program launches Farmer's Market at SM Mindpro in Zamboanga City.

It said the KSK on Sustainable Agriculture Program aims to bring sustainable farming technologies and training to both rural and urban communities to help farmers bring food to their table while creating economic opportunities for them. “The program does not end on graduation, rather it’s the start of continuous support”, said SMFI AVP Cristie Angeles. 

Assistant Mall Manager Aileen Ann Enriquez said these farmers, mostly from marginalized sectors of the community, graduated from SMFI’s 14 weeks Agri-technology training. 

She said this training provided farmers a starter kit and are now selling their harvested fresh produce such as vegetables, root crops, fruits and other products at SM in an effort to continuously support their progress on social enterprises, which in turn provide economic opportunities. 

With over 26,700 farmers trained in high-value crops all over the country, the scholarship program continues to enhance farmers’ skills by encouraging them to become entrepreneurs amidst economic challenges, changing weather conditions, and limited planting space and resources. 

Angeles said SM City Mindpro opens KSK Farmer’s Market to customers every Saturday of the week at the Level 4 of the mall. (Zamboanga Post)