Negros Nine Demo Farm

In 2006 the Foundation bought 12 hectares of titled land in the mountains of Kabankalan at a place called Bantolinao to help the surrounding subsistence farmers, many whom were members of the KKs started in the 70s. The situation of the farmers continues to detoriate as their land becomes more and more eroded and unproductive. The poor cannot afford to experiment or take risks in their farming methods as it could mean certain hunger if they failed. The demo farm was set up to show that changes need to be made and that new and better ways are possible. The farmers are being introduced to sustainable methods of agriculture. Not only are these cheaper but because they are organic they are more healthy for them and the environment. Sustainable agriculture uses local resources without endangering the needs of future generations.

Because of the sloping nature of the land their has to first be a lot of landscapping and contouring to prevent further erosion. Eighty families from five surrounding KKs have been organized by the Foundation and have formed their own organic cooperative. Even if farmers are able to improve their production they can be at the mercy of the middlemen in the selling of their products. The only chance to get a better price is through a cooperative effort. This is especially so if you are in a remote area.