The SM Foundation through its Kabalikat Sa Kabuhayan on Sustainable Agriculture Program (KSK-SAP) has launched an urban farming initiative. It’s about uplifting the farmer community, fostering environmental consciousness, food security, and creating livelihood and income opportunities for marginalized urban communities.
Through the KSK-SAP, a comprehensive program of urban farming techniques, product development, marketing, and basic accounting are offered in strategically-located field schools.
The KSK program has successfully conducted over 260 sustainable agricultural trainings, benefiting a total of 28,550 farmers.
The trainings have taken place in both rural and urban settings, where participants have been exposed to sustainable farming modules that promote the cultivation of nutritious, high-quality vegetables and fruits.
Partnering with the SM Foundation, SM Supermalls, and SM Markets are the following government agencies: the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Tourism, and the Quezon City Government.
Each government organization and LGU plays a vital role in maintaining the viability of the program, so that no stone is left unturned in ensuring its success.
Through the assistance of the SM Supermalls and SM Markets, urban farmers have been given an opportunity to market and sell their produce at the Sunday Markets that are now being held in several malls across the nation.
When the produce reaches a volume that goes beyond the Sunday marketing mechanism, the SM Markets offer other alternatives. It is about creating integration and circularity so that a mini-economic ecosystem is realized.
The SM Foundation creates these strategic partnerships so that true income opportunities become part of the overall scenario.
Who would have thought that this vision of Henry Sy, Sr. back in 2007 would have been so uncanny in predicting the mounting problems and issues we face today in agriculture, sustainable food production, food security, and urban development? It’s a vision and dream that those in the SM Foundation are very proud to carry on, and deliver.
SM is in the business of creating a sustainable environment. From being the first to consider renewable energy in mall buildings to implementing energy-saving devices, we continue to meet significant sustainability milestones
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