Would co-op farming work in the Philippines?

Question

What if Filipino families start producing their own veggies and fruits? Wouldn't that alleviate some of the economic woes of the underprivileged class? It could be done at the barangay level - with help from the gov't but tended by the locals. The people get to literally reap the fruits of their labor (monetary and otherwise).

Of course, some soil are more fertile than others but surely some sort of bartering could be worked out. If Place A could produce pechay (cabbage), maybe arrangments could be made with Place B who has an abundance of kamatis (tomatoes).

Another possible arrangement would be Place C with its rich soil but short of laborers. Place D could supply the laborers and profit sharing could be effected between the two places.

Times are hard. Just maybe what we need are drastic solutions.

Your comments/opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Thats really a good idea, I think one barangay made it happened and was featured in tv. I've actually tried growing some veggies but with only a sore thumb , it died a sudden death from heat stroke.  

anyway, that would require a land which surely the poor doesnt have just like the thousands of poor farmers w/ no lands to tends in the province. in urban , land is scarce and a lot of bureaucratic procedures that it would take months.  

our cooperative attitude  was just not like before and people tends to be more self-centered more than ever. i really think it can still work in maybe some small barangay with less or manageable people not in urban like areas because there are other or better means like to wait for months for fruits or veggies.



i really think the best resources of the philippines is its working people. if the government geared the educational system (hs) to developing skills like carpentry/masonry/technical/mechanic/hou... service etc unlike the current structure. students who graduated can get a job right away locally or abroad. since hs is free, getting qualified teachers and adding skills set curriculum plus practicum sponsored by government is the key of helping the poor .(just one of drastic solution i could think of)  

Answer 2

absolutley,actually I made this sugestion before,I'm an ex american [yes Gary an american]farmer,farmers don't make a lot of money for their efforts,yet consumers pay way too much for food! all people of the world need to eleminate the powers that starve them.a co-opertive would require lots of effort on everyones part but I see no reason it shouldn't work.Its obscene that anyone should go hungry!!!!!

Answer 3

Yes.  Cooperatives work in the Philippines.  We are a very cooperative people.

Cooperative farming in the Philippines has many sites in the Net, attesting to their efffectivity,  from fruit processing cooperative managed by community women running on solar power, mango orchard cooperatives, milkfish farming cooperative, etc.

Lately, a cooperative even successfully took on Malacanang and San Miguel Corporation when they demonstrated on the streets of Manila for award of the title of the lands they are tilling.

About your idea of Cooperatives in Places A, B, C and D cooperating with each other,  they need to merge these cooperatives into One, so that the idea of barter would be dispensed with.  Because  I really think those harvesting good pechay would turn comatose if they will be paid with tomatoes, and vice versa.

Answer 4

We already did that, what happen is, competition and  jealousy.  Better to do it by yourself or family farming, than involving other people.  

Answer 5

Your idea sounds great on paper but co-op farming almost always never works here. For every one that works .. i can point you to 3 that failed. I guess Filipinos still need a lesson on how to CO-OP with each other.

Farming needs subsidies from the government to prosper. That's the main reason our farmers can't compete internationally. We are trying to compete with subsidized produce while ours are inferior in quality and cost more.

Answer 6

It was done years ago, in the time of Marcos.  Cocofed, that was called and was (mis)managed by Cojuanco.  Farmers got shares from the copras they sold and were happy at the prospect of literally having a (forced) savings for future needs.  However, when time came to collect - no funds.  Where did all the money go?  

And yes, there is jealousy among the barangays.  No barangay want to be overshadowed by another so, cooperatives do not work or prosper among barangays.  Within the barangay, yes.  I believe this is an ongoing project by each barangay or community.  They also have market fairs.  Anyway, it is best to grow your own veggies if you have a place to plant; no pesticide guaranteed.