Written by Krisha Marie Mecija, Cooperative Advisor Philippines
The Taloy Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative (TAFARMCO) staff and members, along with representatives from the Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP), including the Business Development Officer and I-REAP Head, recently participated in an enriching exchange visit in Thailand. The event, coordinated by Agriterra and hosted by the Yunus Center of the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), aimed to provide insights into agrifood hub operations and technologies.
The primary objective of the activity was to gain valuable knowledge on managing and operating agrifood hubs, focusing on vegetable storage technologies, processing, packaging, logistics, and marketing. The visit also included learning about precision vegetable farming practices in greenhouses and exploring advanced processing technologies. This exchange is a critical step in preparing TAFARMCO and PRDP to establish their Agrifood Hub, which has been deemed eligible for a €4.5 million grant funded by the World Bank.
The team engaged in several informative sessions and site visits to farms and fresh markets across Thailand. These activities provided firsthand exposure to vegetable processing and marketing strategies. Experts from Thailand shared insights into the country's agricultural landscape, the global vegetable value chain and the latest technologies for fruit and vegetable processing. One of the most impactful parts of the visit was the tour of Thailand's two largest fruits and vegetable markets—Talaad Thai and Simummuang Market, both located in Pathum Thani. These markets showcased advanced systems and operational models that the team identified as valuable for implementing in their Agrifood Hub project. In addition to gaining technical knowledge, the exchange visit allowed TAFARMCO to expand its network. Through AIT and the organisations visited, TAFARMCO established connections that may provide future partnerships and collaborations.
The exchange visit also included opportunities for cultural appreciation. On the final day, the team explored Thailand's cultural heritage by visiting The Grand Palace. This experience not only highlighted the rich culture of Thailand but also served as a fun and memorable way to conclude the trip.
The insights gained from this exchange visit will be instrumental as TAFARMCO with the assistance of PRDP move forward with the development of their Agrifood Hub. With the confirmed grant and newfound knowledge, the team is now better equipped to establish a modern and efficient Agrifood Hub that integrates advanced technologies, improves logistics, and supports the local agricultural sector.