Overview
This lecture covers notable orchard farms and successful orchard growers in the Philippines, highlighting their products, innovations, and contributions to agriculture and agri-tourism.
Famous Orchard Growers in the Philippines
- Jose Mercado (Merlo Agricultural Corporation) grows and sells coffee beans for major brands like Batongas Brew, Cafe de Lipa, and Kaping Barako.
- Edith Dachaka (Riffman Farms) operates the largest dragon fruit farm, uses zero waste farming, and exports products internationally.
- Phillip Cruz (Herbinax) founded a leading herbal extract manufacturer and exports herbal extracts abroad.
- Parasuey (Live Green International) produces organic vegetables distributed across 18 major outlets nationwide.
- San and Balconey (La Forta Inc.) operates vast banana plantations, exporting 5-6 million boxes of Cavendish bananas to Asia and the Middle East.
Prominent Orchard Farms in the Philippines
- Rosa Farms: A 12.5-hectare mango orchard in Zambales, rebuilt after the 1991 Mt. Pinatubo eruption, now an agri-tourism site.
- Rock Farm & Cafe Bodega: Orange plantation in Mountain Province with a pick-and-pay system and on-site eating for a fee.
- Philippine Mango Seedling Farm Corp.: Family-owned, focuses on environment preservation, mango industry sustainability, and livelihood enhancement.
Notable Fruit Farms and Their Achievements
- Davao Golden Pomelo Farm: Carmelito Mercado owns 350 hectares, produces the Maggianas pomelo variety, and is called Davao’s pomelo king.
- Nika’s Rambutan Farm: Largest green rambutan farm in Antique, also grows bananas, durian, lanzones, mangosteen, and pomelo.
- At O’Bellen’s Farm: Expanded from 200 sqm to over 15 hectares, planting rambutan, lansones, durian, papaya, and aromatic coconuts.
- Rossat Cocoa Farms: Owned by Grover Rossett in Davao City, grew from a small plot to a profitable cocoa farm supporting his family.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Orchard — A piece of land planted with fruit trees.
- Agri-tourism — Farm-based tourism activities, combining agriculture and recreational activities for visitors.
- Zero Waste Farming — Agricultural practice that aims to reuse all farm outputs, minimizing waste.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the success stories of major Philippine orchard growers for further study.
- Prepare for discussion on the impact of agri-tourism and sustainable farming practices in the next class.