The NorMinVeggies experience: Finding strength in consolidation

摘要

THE NORTHERN MINDANAO Vegetable Producers Association (NorMinVeggies) is implementing a groundbreaking farming and marketing system that has boosted the stock of hundreds of small-hold farmers across Mindanao in the southern Philippines, and revolutionized vegetable production in the region. Starting with only 15 producer-members in 1999, NorMinVeggies' core membership has expanded to 178, which include farmers, cooperatives, foundations, and growers' associations. The transformation began when NorminVeggies introduced the cluster farming method to its members. Under the clustering system, a group of farmers in selected areas are tasked to grow a particular crop utilizing a set of farming protocols and following a fixed production schedule.