Cover Charlene Tan of Good Food Community (centre) with the Chico River Organic Practitioners Organisation (CROPO) farmers (Photo: Courtesy of Sub-Zero and Wolf)
Charlene Tan of Good Food Community (centre) with the Chico River Organic Practitioners Organisation (CROPO) farmers (Photo: Courtesy of Sub-Zero and Wolf)
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Premium kitchen brands Sub-Zero and Wolf are collaborating with Good Food Community to provide better livelihoods and brighter futures for Philippine farmers
Home to rich agriculture and lush landscapes, the Philippines owes a significant part of its identity to the unsung heroes who toil day in and day out to provide food for the nation. Though often recognised as the backbone of the country’s economy, small-scale farmers continue to face tremendous challenges with limited institutional support.
This is a prevailing reality for the women farmers of the Chico River Organic Practitioners Organisation (CROPO) based in Bauko, Mountain Province. Passionate about their craft despite the odds, they endure arduous journeys through treacherous terrains, dense forests and unpredictable weather conditions, carrying over 20 kilograms of produce on their backs each time.
Above One of the women farmers of CROPO, inspecting the quality of their crops (Photo: Courtesy of Sub-Zero and Wolf)
Above An abundant harvest (Photo: Courtesy of Sub-Zero and Wolf)
One of the women farmers of CROPO, inspecting the quality of their crops (Photo: Courtesy of Sub-Zero and Wolf)
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Recognising their heavy plight, kitchen brands Sub-Zero and Wolf have joined forces with Good Food Community (GFC), a social enterprise that has worked with and supported CROPO for years now. GFC’s primary purpose is bridging consumers directly to small-scale farmers by providing an easily accessible and sustainable market for seasonal, organically grown produce. It has, in ways, emerged as a lifeline especially for those like CROPO, who find themselves in remote and difficult-to-access locations.
As an acclaimed food preservation expert, Sub-Zero understands that its innovative refrigeration solutions can play a part in honouring fresh produce and the farmers’ hard work, keeping vibrant, natural flavours and nutritional goodness intact for extended periods. Wolf, on the other hand, complements Sub-Zero’s mission by celebrating the essence of each ingredient. Through an extensive lineup of sleek, modern appliances, the brand helps end consumers capture and elevate the rich tastes of what they are cooking with, ensuring that each dish perfected in one’s kitchen is a delectable, memorable experience.
Above Fresh produce in Sub-Zero refrigeration (Photo: Courtesy of Sub-Zero and Wolf)
Above Roasted vegetables prepared with Wolf appliances (Photo: Courtesy of Sub-Zero and Wolf)
Fresh produce in Sub-Zero refrigeration (Photo: Courtesy of Sub-Zero and Wolf)
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Showcasing how they wholeheartedly embrace and support the incredible journey of food from seed to plate, these exceptional brands along with GFC have sought to build and rehabilitate over 20 crop rain shelters to protect precious farmland in Bauko from pests and inclement weather. With these in place, more than 700 square metres of farmland will help the CROPO farmers yield over 30,000 kilograms of produce, with the long-term goal of providing consistent livelihood for the community for at least the next five years.
Above Sub-Zero and Wolf, with the help of GFC, have built 20 crop rain shelters like this one (Photo: Courtesy of Sub-Zero and Wolf)
Above A dedicated farmer under the protective canopy of this project (Photo: Courtesy of Sub-Zero and Wolf)
Sub-Zero and Wolf, with the help of GFC, have built 20 crop rain shelters like this one (Photo: Courtesy of Sub-Zero and Wolf)
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Through this collaboration, Sub-Zero and Wolf with GFC have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the lives of these farmers and many more. Improved market access will continue to enhance the livelihoods of Filipinos in remote regions, as consumers at a wider scale develop a deeper appreciation for food’s long journey. Hopefully, it will also serve as further inspiration for those raising advocacy and awareness regarding sustainable farming practices, ultimately fostering a brighter future for the heart and backbone of the country.
Learn more about Sub-Zero and Wolf’s advocacy when you watch this video or visit bit.ly/seedtoplatetatler.
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Trained as a student journalist, Mac’s knack for writing was a serendipitous discovery. Years later and she can’t imagine doing anything else. When she isn’t typing away on a story, she revels in being lost in a new city, revisiting a cosy film or sitcom, and idling away with her dogs.
