Sowing good deeds for local farmers and residents
SMDC ties up with the Department of Agriculture to bring fresh produce to its residents straight from the farms.
Property company SM Development Corporation (SMDC) continues its “good guys” campaign with another initiative especially meaningful during MECQ times and as reports of infections from the coronavirus continue to spike up. SMDC keeps its commitment to help by providing assistance to its communities and to others.
Its latest initiative is a partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) Kadiwa Market to SMDC homes. This partnership not only helps residents gain access to affordable and high-quality fresh produce but also provides farmers with a ready customer base.
“Kadiwa is built on the concept of bringing farmers closer to the consumers,” says DA’s Minky Alba. “In doing so, we cut the layers of distribution. We remove the presence of middle men.”
The farmers come all the way from the Cordilleras and from Nueva Ecija. They bring fresh produce — vegetables, dairy, eggs and milk– priced according to SRP (suggested retail prices) or even lower.
“Shoppers do not need to leave the condominium building to buy fresh vegetables that are cheaper compared to other markets. Our produce are fresh from the farm and were not stored in any way except during travel,” shared Maribeth Sanchez, a farm owner.
Meanwhile, John Buena of Juan Ranch (Batangas) noted the attractive price points of the produce sold at the market, “The pandemic halted our deliveries to restaurants and hotels because they were closed down. Kadiwa is bridging the economic gap between the consumers and producers. It’s a win-win situation. Residents can see that our products are superior but are sold at lower prices.”
“We planted these vegetables ourselves. You are buying directly from farmers. Some of these are greenhouse vegetables and were grown without the use of insecticides. Kadiwa Market simplifies the process of selling and we are able to count our earnings faster,” said Pacita Yap, a farmer from the Mountain Province.
Mark Clave Dugso Fishermen Cooperative said, “Kadiwa Market is about food sustainability and security. Both the fishermen and the consumers win. It gives us a sure market to sell to straight from our farms.”
Kindred spirits
“SMDC has been holding these markets but, this time around, there are more sellers and the vegetables are visibly fresh. There’s also more variety,” Sheila, a resident of Light Residences, says. “I am happy that there’s a market like this in the condo. It’s not only helpful to residents but to farmers, too.”
Kadiwa literally translates to “kindred spirit.” This weekend market brings kindred spirits together to create a community of Good Guys doing good for one another.