Metro Pacific Agro Ventures Inc. and Israel-based LR Group are investing nearly P1 billion to develop the country’s largest vegetable greenhouse facility.
MPAV president and chief executive Juan Victor Hernandez said Monday during the project’s groundbreaking ceremony that the 22-hectare facility in San Rafael, Bulacan would have a production capacity 1.6 million metric tons of vegetables annually.
This marks the second joint venture between MPAV, the agribusiness unit of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and LR Group, after their dairy project in Laguna province.
Hernandez said the project, part of the group’s vision to boost food accessibility in the country, would modernize Philippine vegetable cultivation and boost sustainable farming.
The facility will have a full value chain, including seedlings production, vegetable cultivation, sorting, packaging and marketing. It will initially produce high-quality vegetables, including lettuce, kale, eggplant and tomatoes.
It will employ modern farming techniques such as nutrient film technique hydroponics and drip irrigation system which require less water, less land and fewer fertilizers and pesticides.
Hernandez said production would start early next year to cater to Metro Manila and nearby provinces through various suppliers and retailers.
“Growing our own produce is a step in developing our country’s capability in terms of food sustainability. Partnering with IAI and the LR Group moves us towards a future where ideally, food security is the norm, not just an aspiration,” Hernandez said.
MPAV, citing data from the United Nations, said 59 million Filipinos were suffering from food insecurity, the highest in Southeast Asia.
MPIC chairman Manuel Pangilinan expressed hope the venture would ensure stable supply of vegetables and eventually help bring down prices of basic commodities.
“The vision behind these investments is an agriculturally-independent Philippines. We want to help build a nation that’s capable of feeding all of its people,” Pangilinan said.
MPIC made its foray into the dairy business in 2022 when it teamed up with Carmen’s Best Group.
Israel Ambassador to the Philippines llan Fluss welcomed the partnership between LR Group and MPAV.
“I am proud that Israeli technologies and expertise are being introduced to the Philippines and contribute to the country’s food security and agricultural productivity,” he said.