Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF), the social development arm of Jollibee Group, and the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enrich their efforts in developing the entrepreneurial capacity of smallholder producers and linking them to agriculture value chains.

“This partnership is an important milestone for farmer entrepreneurs. PCAARRD’s expertise in agriculture research and development will help create access to technologies that enhance farmers’ livelihoods and make them more profitable,” said Gisela Tiongson, executive director of JGF.

The agreement between DOST-PCAARRD and JGF focuses on promoting sustainable agricultural practices through technology transfer, access to knowledge, and tools to enhance productivity. This will be achieved through the development of entrepreneurial, technical, managerial, organizational, and marketing skills.

DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora stated, “We believe this partnership for agro-entrepreneurship will strengthen PCAARRD’s efforts in addressing technology gaps to improve quality and productivity, as well as building the capacities of farmer groups and partner LGUs to access institutional markets. We are confident this will help implement projects that support JGF’s mission and PCAARRD’s mandates.”

This initiative supports JGF’s Farmer Entrepreneurship Program (FEP), which helps smallholder farmers improve their technical and business acumen, along with partnership-building skills. FEP uses the Agro-Enterprise Clustering Approach to assist farmer groups supplying Jollibee Group and other markets.

To date, Jollibee Group has accredited 18 farmer groups across the country that supply vegetables to Jollibee, Greenwich, Chowking, and Mang Inasal. Since 2008, FEP farmers have supplied 9,000 metric tons of vegetables to the Jollibee Group, resulting in over P360 million in total sales for the farmers.