METRO Retail Stores Group Inc. (MRSGI) said 500 farmers have benefited from its farm-to-market initiative in partnership with Gulay Farmers, a non-government and non-profit organization.
The initiative provides farmers with direct access to MRSGI’s stores under its in-house fresh produce brand, Q.
The company said since its launch in 2020, the program has benefited 500 farmers, conveying about 60,000 tons of locally grown produce to MRSGI’s shelves annually.
“The initiative, which currently supplies eight Metro Retail stores in Cebu, expands market opportunities for smallholder farmers while increasing consumer access to fresh, locally sourced produce,” it said.
MRSGI said the initiative helps farmers bring their produce to large retailers which has been difficult for tillers due to “strict documentation requirements, fluctuating market prices, and logistical constraints.”
“Many farmers are unable to secure business permits or tax registrations, limiting their access to formal retail markets. Additionally, the lack of an efficient distribution system means that much of their produce goes to waste before it even reaches consumers,” it said.
MRSGI said through its partnership with Gulay Farmers, the company helps eliminate these barriers by providing a structured and reliable supply chain. The cooperative also assists in regulatory compliance, logistics and quality control, simplifying the process and allowing small-scale farmers to enter mainstream retail markets.
MRSGI said the initiative aligns with its broader farm-to-market strategy, which aims to promote local food security and economic sustainability.
“By working directly with farmer cooperatives, the company is able to offer fresher, high-quality produce at competitive prices while ensuring fair compensation for growers,” it said, adding that it also trains farmers in food safety, post-harvest handling and standardization of produce.
