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Urban farming and the SM Foundation: A Founder’s Dream

The SM Foundation, through its Kabalikat Sa Kabuhayan on Sustainable Agriculture Program (KSK-SAP), is in charge of this Urban Farming effort. It aims to enhance the farming community, promote environmental awareness, increase food security, and offer marginalized urban communities chances to earn a living. A thorough program of urban farming methods, product creation, marketing, and fundamental accounting are provided through the KSK-SAP in field schools that are strategically positioned.

Over 260 trainings on sustainable agriculture have been successfully performed by the KSK program, helping a total of 28,550 farmers. Participants in these trainings have been exposed to sustainable farming modules that encourage the development of wholesome, high-quality vegetables and fruits in both rural and urban settings.

The KSK program has successfully conducted over 260 sustainable agricultural trainings, benefiting a total of 28,550 farmers. These trainings have taken place in both rural and urban settings, where participants have been exposed to sustainable farming modules that promote the cultivation of nutritious, high-quality vegetables and fruits.

Partnering with the SM Foundation, SM Supermalls, and SM Markets are the following government agencies; the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Tourism, and the Quezon City Government. Each government organization and LGU plays a vital role in maintaining the viability of the program, and so that no stone is left unturned in ensuring its success

As an example, the SM Foundation has brought SM Supermalls and SM Markets into the picture so that as these urban farmers successfully harvest, they’re given an opportunity to market and sell their produce at the Sunday Markets that are now being held in several malls across the nation. When the produce reaches a volume that goes beyond this Sunday marketing mechanism, the SM Markets offer other alternatives.

It’s about creating integration and circularity so that a mini-economic ecosystem is realized. After all, it can’t be about teaching them what and how to farm and then leaving them with no outlet with which to monetize this harvest. The SM Foundation creates these strategic partnerships so that true income opportunities become part of the overall scenario.

Who would have imagined that Henry Sy, Sr.’s vision from back in 2007 would be so remarkably prescient in foretelling the growing issues and challenges we now face in agriculture, sustainable food production, food security, and urban development? The SM Foundation is very happy to continue and fulfill this vision and dream.

The creation of a sustainable environment is what SM accomplishes. We continue to achieve key sustainability milestones, from being the first to incorporate renewable energy in mall buildings to putting energy-saving technology into place.