This Urban Farming initiative is led by the SM Foundation through its
Kabalikat Sa Kabuhayan on Sustainable Agriculture Program (KSK-SAP).
It’s about uplifting the farmer community, fostering environmental
consciousness, food security, and creating livelihood and income
opportunities for marginalized urban communities. Through the KSK-SAP, a
comprehensive program of urban farming techniques, product development,
marketing, and basic accounting are offered in strategically-located
field schools.
SM City Roxas
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.
SM City Clark
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.
SM City Naga
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.
SM City Cabanatuan
Who would have thought that this vision of Henry Sy, Sr., back in 2007,
would have been so uncanny in predicting the mounting problems and
issues we face today in agriculture, sustainable food production, food
security, and urban development? It’s a vision and dream that those in
the SM Foundation are very proud to carry on, and deliver.
SM is in the business of creating a sustainable environment. From being
the first to consider renewable energy in mall buildings, to
implementing energy-saving devices, we continue to meet significant
sustainability milestones.
Join the commitment to a more sustainable lifestyle at smgreenmovement.com and #SMGreenMovement
SM City Cebu
SM City East Ortigas
SM City Telabastagan
SM City Fairview
SM City Gen San
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