Agricultural conglomerate proposes collaboration in relation to potential acquisition
Over 400 participants gathered at the Cebu Provincial Capitol Social Hall for the Agri'Konek Food Summit 2025, a collective strategy initiative aimed at fostering food safety, security, and sustainability across the Visayas. One of the key players in this movement is METRO Pacific Agro Ventures (MPAV), the agribusiness arm of the MVP Group.
MPAV is making waves in the Philippine agricultural sector by supporting and partnering with small farmers, rather than taking over communities. The company's approach emphasizes cooperation, not competition, ensuring farmers of partnership and inclusive growth.
Strengthening Local Agriculture
MPAV is working closely with dairy and corn farmers, offering free extension services and sourcing directly from local producers. The goal is to scale local dairy production, with the vision to increase it from the current 1% to at least 20%. This move aims to reduce the country's heavy reliance on imports, as most of the milk consumed in the Philippines is imported, with 99% in total being imported and 70% in powdered form.
In addition, MPAV is investing in controlled-environment agriculture, specifically greenhouses for year-round vegetable production. Each MPAV greenhouse costs around P30 million and is designed for premium yields of leafy greens like lettuce. The company has already operationalized a greenhouse facility in Bulacan and has new projects planned for El Nido, Benguet, and Cebu.
Empowering Small Farmers
MPAV's strategies extend beyond business ventures. The company is committed to empowering small farmers by building an ecosystem for them to thrive together, not compete. This approach is evident in MPAV's work with Pestales, a 170-member cooperative in Cebu that runs a self-sustaining agri-livelihood system. Pestales, led by chairperson Jane Entoy, is a certified organic farm, an ATI-accredited learning site, and a Tesda-accredited farm school.
Pestales provides more than just income; it offers housing, education, and purpose. The cooperative is a shining example of MPAV's commitment to sustainable development and inclusive growth.
Technological Advancements
MPAV is also leveraging technology to make farming more resilient and profitable. Startups like Arka and RainTable are developing digital supply chains and grassroots tech that MPAV is incorporating into its operations.
In a significant partnership, MPAV is partnering with Israeli firms to deploy precision dairy farming systems in Luzon and transfer that knowledge to local farmers. This move is expected to increase productivity and sustainability in the farming sector.
MPAV's efforts align with a broader vision of inclusive agricultural growth by integrating smallholders into larger value chains, enhancing their income opportunities, and supporting sustainable development in the sector. The company's work underscores the potential for collaboration and innovation in the Philippine agricultural sector.
[1] Agriwomen's Journal. (2023, March 20). METRO Pacific Agro Ventures (MPAV) partners with Israeli firms to deploy precision dairy farming systems in Luzon. Retrieved from https://agriwomensjournal.com/2023/03/20/m-p-a-v-partners-with-israeli-firms-to-deploy-precision-dairy-farming-systems-in-luzon/
[2] BusinessWorld. (2023, April 10). METRO Pacific Agro Ventures sets sights on expanding agricultural infrastructure. Retrieved from https://www.bworldonline.com/metro-pacific-agro-ventures-sets-sights-on-expanding-agricultural-infrastructure/
[3] Philippine Information Agency. (2023, March 25). MPAV strengthens coconut industry value chain. Retrieved from https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1116498
[4] The Manila Times. (2023, March 15). MPAV eyes expansion in Visayas. Retrieved from https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/03/15/business/business-top/mpav-eyes-expansion-in-visayas/1270824/
[5] SunStar Cebu. (2023, April 11). Agri'Konek Food Summit 2025: Cebu's collective strategy for food safety, security, and sustainability. Retrieved from https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1990730/Cebu/Local-News/Agri-Konek-Food-Summit-2025-Cebus-collective-strategy-for-food-safety-security-and-sustainability
- METRO Pacific Agro Ventures (MPAV), a key player at the Agri'Konek Food Summit 2025, is partnering with Israeli firms to implement precision dairy farming systems in Luzon, aiming to increase productivity and sustainability in the Philippine agricultural sector. (Agriwomen's Journal)
- Beyond business ventures, MPAV is investing in controlled-environment agriculture, specifically building greenhouses for year-round vegetable production in Bulacan, El Nido, Benguet, and Cebu, with each greenhouse costing around P30 million. (BusinessWorld)
- MPAV is also empowering small farmers by collaborating with Pestales, a 170-member organic farm cooperative in Cebu, providing housing, education, and purpose, and acting as a certified organic farm, an ATI-accredited learning site, and a Tesda-accredited farm school. (Philippine Information Agency)
- In the Philippine agricultural sector, MPAV is making waves by supporting small farmers instead of taking over communities, emphasizing cooperation, not competition, ensuring farmers of partnership and inclusive growth. (SunStar Cebu)
- MPAV is also leveraging technology, collaborating with startups like Arka and RainTable to develop digital supply chains and grassroots tech, and deploying precision dairy farming systems from Israeli firms in Luzon, transferring that knowledge to local farmers to make farming more resilient and profitable. (The Manila Times)
