farmers
From heirloom rice grown in the Cordilleras to organic vegetables, sustainable seafood, cacao, mushrooms, and locally raised Kurobuta pork, these Filipino farmers and producers are helping fine dining restaurants put local ingredients—and a new idea of luxury—at the center of the plate.
Through Nico Cacao, Nicolas Astarie is proving that premium bean-to-bar chocolate can do more than satisfy a sweet tooth—it can build sustainable livelihoods for farming communities.
As cafés and bakeries continue to embrace the country's beloved purple yam, many of the farmers growing it are still grappling with unstable prices, unpredictable weather, and uncertain livelihoods.
With promising traits including climate resilience, disease resistance, and improved yields, Libex could become an important coffee for the future.