THE CocoGrow Project, a groundbreaking initiative by Cargill and Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (Assist) supported by the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), officially launched on Aug. 22, 2024, at Barangay Bagacay, Alabel, Sarangani Province.

The project aims to rejuvenate Sarangani's coconut industry by planting 75,000 coconut seedlings across three key municipalities: Alabel, Malapatan and Malungon. It will introduce faster-growing, high-yield coconut varieties to replace aging, low-yield trees and those damaged by recent natural calamities.

The initiative spans 535 hectares of coconut farms and directly benefits 500 smallholder farmers, with 50 percent of them being women.

The project also promotes sustainable agricultural practices to boost local economies and increase farmer incomes.

"With Assist, this project reflects Cargill's unwavering commitment to building resilient agricultural communities and helping farmers thrive where we operate. Through this partnership, we aim to improve the livelihoods of Sarangani's coconut farmers while also meeting the growing demand for sustainable coconut oil," Cargill Copra and Palm Origination Commercial Director Jonathan Sumpaico said.

"Through our partnership with Cargill, and with the invaluable support of the Philippine Coconut Authority, we are committed to nurturing the coconut industry while empowering farmers to harvest more opportunities, ultimately transforming the economic landscape of Sarangani Province," Assist Executive Director Francis Macatulad said.

"Launching the CocoGrow Project is a great initiative. It will help enhance coconut tree cultivation in Sarangani Province, support farmers and stakeholders, and boost our economy by helping in strengthening the crucial coconut industry in the Philippines, particularly in Sarangani," PCA Region 12 General Manager Emily Lorion said.

Visit https://www.cargill.com/ for more information.

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