The Philippines is a country rich in natural resources. Because of that, agriculture plays a significant role in its economic, cultural and business landscape. There’s a wide range of agriculture businesses that exist in the Philippines today; from the numerous farms in various provinces to the more modern SMEs growing their own produce and selling it with the help of technology right inside the Metro.

If you’re thinking of starting an agricultural business, here are our top tips for you:

1. Know your produce
Agriculture is comprised of a broad range of business types, so there are many opportunities for you as long as you’re willing to work hard. You can grow fruits and vegetables and sell them at a farmers’ market. You can start a beekeeping enterprise. You can even grow herbs and medicinal plants, and sell them right from your garden.  If you have the space to do so, you can also breed animals. In every case, make sure you understand your produce. These products are generally more delicate or high-maintenance than others, so make sure you have a conducive environment for the best possible quality.

2. Know your market
There’s a high demand for agricultural products in the Philippines, but you need to know the following:

• Where is your market?
• What exactly is the market need?
• How are you going to get your products to them?

Remember that if you’re selling organic products like herbs or foods, you’ll have to consider things like shelf-life, so living too far away from your chosen market might become an issue. Also, make sure your market is big enough that it can sustain your business and that your products are good enough to retain your customers.

3. Find your “farm”
As mentioned above, agricultural businesses don’t always have to be based in an actual farm. If you’re a micro or small business catering to a niche market, there’s nothing wrong with growing your produce from a backyard or garden, as long as you make sure the quality is good. And of course, each agriculture business has its own space and location needs. For example, if you’re thinking of raising chickens in order to sell eggs, you’ll need to know the optimal living conditions for these chickens. Generally speaking, for any agribusiness, there needs to be a lot of space, and usually this space is outdoors. So if you don’t have that, maybe you should consider renting out a place or sticking with something that needs less room.

4. Register your business
Starting an agribusiness may sound much easier now than it was before, but don’t forget that there are still laws governing every business venture. Like any enterprise, it will have to be registered, and you will have to comply with the laws of the Department of Agriculture as well as the agency directly responsible for your industry (for example, the National Dairy Authority is responsible if you’re producing milk and cheese to sell at farmers’ markets).

5. Commit yourself to quality
Finally, the most important thing you have to keep in mind, not just when starting your business but all throughout the journey, is to commit yourself to the product. Be extra careful about the consistency and quality of what you’re putting out into the market. Know that your market is trusting you with their health, which is a big responsibility. So take the necessary precautions, always put your best into growing and harvesting your products, and make sure you aim for high quality at every step of the process, from growth to delivery.

Starting an agricultural business may be challenging, but it can also be rewarding and helpful. Not only will you be making the world a healthier place, you’ll also be part of the movement toward empowering the country’s agricultural sector and improving our economy. As the Philippine market becomes increasingly aware of the benefits of organic living, there is scope for growth in this sector too.

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