To further disseminate best practices on regenerative agriculture and responsible farming, 23 dedicated farmer-leaders from various Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) have embarked on a transformative journey as they take on the role as Responsible Sourcing from Smallholders’ Champion and ARBO Mentor for Productivity (RSS ChAMPs). This initiative, aimed at spreading awareness on responsible sugarcane farming, was initiated through a two-module training session held at the Sugar Industry Foundation, Inc. (SIFI) Training Center on August 13-14, 2024.
The sessions, facilitated by Mr. Rhoderick Samonte from Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU), through the Partnership for Empowerment, Advancement, and Continuing Education (PEACE) of Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs), a partnership between CHMSU and SIFI, is designed to enhance the leadership and communication skills of the participants. The training delved into crucial aspects of effective leadership, conflict resolution, and strategic communication, preparing the farmers to become influential advocates for responsible farming practices. The two-module training workshop was tailored-fit on the assessed needs of the RSS ChAMPs based on the orientation activity conducted last July 18, 2024.
The Responsible Sourcing from Smallholders Program in Negros Occidental is implemented by the Sugar Industry Foundation, Inc. (SIFI), and is funded by Nestlé, and the American Sugar Refinery, through Proforest. This program aims to promote sustainable sugarcane farming in Northern Negros, addressing both environmental and social responsibilities of sugarcane farming, including lessening to eradicating child labor practices, providing alternative livelihood to ARBOs, and teaching biodiversity-friendly sugarcane farming.
As RSS ChAMPs, these farmer-leaders will play a pivotal role in advocating for the Responsible Sourcing from Smallholders Program. They will serve as the advocacy arm of the program and will lead awareness raising sessions on sustainable and regenerative agriculture through the program’s best practices and sugarcane demo farm protocols.
“The sessions has equipped me with proper communication skills,” shared Maritess, a newly-elected Chairperson of one of the ARBOs. “I have realized how to communicate with my members in a more effective way and I can relay to them what is RSS and how beneficial it is.”
As these farmer-leaders step into their roles, they bring with them a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to fostering a more sustainable and responsible farming. As RSS ChAMPs, they will champion a community of responsible farmers free of child laborers and regenerative farming practices.
*Report from Orland Solis.
