How can you produce more and healthier food with less?
Metro Pacific Agro Ventures (MPAV), the agri-food arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC), is leading the way in that direction by using technology to revolutionize vegetable farming, distribution, and consumption in the Philippines.
At its 3.5-hectare Metro Pacific Fresh Farms (MPFF) greenhouse facility–the largest of its kind in the country—in San Rafael, Bulacan, MPFF is set to produce up to 500 metric tons of fresh produce annually. Specifically, the facility is expected to harvest around 60,000 heads of lettuce each month, amounting to 144 metric tons of leafy greens annually.
MPFF’s innovative farming techniques yield up to five times more produce than traditional farms, ensuring a stable, year-round supply—a critical issue for traditional farmers, where inconsistent harvests often lead to significant losses.
“The vision behind these investments is an agriculturally independent Philippines,” says MPIC chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan. “We aim to build a nation capable of feeding all of its people.”
The Philippines faces significant agricultural challenges, including supply instability and limited access to high-quality vegetables. “Despite 47 percent of the country’s land being agricultural, problems like low output, high input costs, outdated irrigation systems, and a lack of post-harvest facilities hinder production,” says Jovy Hernandez, president and CEO of Metro Pacific Agro Ventures. “Metro Pacific Fresh Farms addresses these issues by providing a reliable and consistent supply of high-quality produce for all Filipinos, especially businesses and retailers that need dependable sourcing.”
MPFF’s greenhouse facility is equipped with cutting-edge technology developed by the LR Group, an Israeli agribusiness company known for its expertise in sustainable food production, even in Israel’s harsh desert climate. LR Group uses advanced techniques, including nutrient film technology for leafy greens and drip irrigation systems for other vegetables. These methods allow MPFF to grow produce more efficiently, using 90 percent less water and land, while producing five times the yield of traditional farming.
By operating in a controlled environment, MPFF reduces the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, cutting exposure to contaminants by up to 99 percent. This ensures that the produce is not only high-quality but also safer and healthier for consumers.
Additionally, MPFF’s ability to produce vegetables consistently helps stabilize prices through supply and demand dynamics, shielding businesses and consumers from the impact of price fluctuations and inflation.
For large-scale clients such as hypermarkets, hotels, restaurants, and food processors, MPFF offers premium, sustainably grown vegetables with a diverse portfolio. This includes rare and high-value varieties that are traditionally challenging to cultivate in the Philippines. MPFF also works closely with businesses to tailor their supply based on customer demand trends, providing greater flexibility in sourcing.
Through these strategic partnerships, MPFF aims to make high-quality, sustainably grown vegetables more accessible and affordable, helping bridge the gap in availability and price for Filipino families.
