San Miguel Foods Boosts Cassava Yield

San Miguel Foods, a subsidiary of San Miguel Corporation (SMC), has achieved remarkable success through its long-running regenerative agriculture program, particularly in cassava production.

San Miguel Foods’ regenerative agriculture program has led to a 44% increase in cassava yields, directly benefiting the incomes of thousands of farmers across the Philippines. | Photo: SMC

In the first half of this year alone, the company yielded over 90,000 metric tons of cassava, marking a 44% increase compared to the same period last year. This significant boost has directly benefited the incomes of thousands of farmers across the Philippines, reinforcing the company’s commitment to supporting local agriculture.

Ramon S. Ang, Chairman and CEO of San Miguel Corporation, attributed this growth to the company’s Cassava Assemblers Program, which has been operational for several years across more than half of the provinces in the country.

The program offers farmers a guaranteed market for their produce through purchase agreements at a fixed floor price, coupled with comprehensive technical assistance.

“Through our Cassava Assemblers Program, we continue to engage with, and encourage farmers to organize themselves and form small businesses, to assemble a minimum of 20 hectares of cassava plantation,” Ang explained.

This program addresses crucial challenges faced by small-scale farmers, such as the high costs of transporting goods to market.

By enabling assemblers to purchase directly from small farm holdings, the initiative lowers the unit cost of harvesting and transport, making cassava production profitable for both farmers and assemblers.

In return, San Miguel Foods secures a steady supply of this essential raw material, which is versatile enough to be used as an alternative to traditional ingredients like corn and wheat, and as a byproduct for animal feeds.

“This program reflects San Miguel Foods' dedication to sustainable farming practices, and SMC’s own commitment to sustainability, as it benefits both the environment and local communities—helping create prosperity for farmers for generations to come,” Ang emphasized.

Butch Alejo, President of San Miguel Foods, highlighted the broader impact of the program on sustainable and regenerative agriculture.

He explained that cassava’s deep root system improves soil structure, increases organic matter, and promotes beneficial soil microbes, all of which contribute to enhanced soil health and climate mitigation.

“Its drought-tolerance and ability to thrive in marginal soils with low water availability make it vital for efficient water management, especially in areas facing water scarcity,” Alejo added.