San Miguel Corporation’s food unit San Miguel Foods has purchased over 1.3 million metric tons of corn worth P23.9 billion from farmers nationwide since starting the program in 2020 to help boost farm incomes and reduce the country’s dependence on imports.
SMC said the program covers Batangas, Bicol, Bukidnon, Bulacan, Cagayan De Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Isabela, Ormoc, Pangasinan, Tarlac and Zamboanga but include more by the end of the year.
“Through this program, we are assured of local corn supply for our food business while our local farmers are guaranteed a steady market and fair prices for their crops. Buying directly from them boosts their income and keeps their livelihood sustainable,” said Ramon Ang, SMC president and chief executive officer, in a statement.
SMC said the direct corn buying program is among several initiatives supporting farmers and the agricultural sector nationwide. SMC also locally source the raw materials used by various enterprises like poultry with the help of contract growers.
