Metro Pacific Launches 22-ha Greenhouse Project

Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (“MPIC”), the country’s leading infrastructure investments company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Metro Pacific Agro Ventures Inc. (“MPAV”), has launched The Vegetable Greenhouse Project, a 22-hectare property, housing a complex of modern greenhouses in San Rafael, Bulacan.

Photo Insert: Among those leading the groundbreaking ceremony of Metro Pacific Fresh Farms in San Rafael town, Bulacan were Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss (from left to right), LR Group co-founder Ami Lustig; Metro Pacific Investments Corp. chairman, president, and chief executive officer Manny V. Pangilinan, and Metro Pacific Agro Ventures, Inc. president Joey Hernandez.

This will be the biggest vegetable greenhouse facility in the country that will produce high-quality vegetables all year round. With Innovative Agriculture (Agro) Industry Ltd. (“IAI”), an affiliate of its Israeli-based partner, LR Group, the project broke ground Monday, February 20, and will comprise a full value chain including seedlings production, vegetable cultivation, sorting, packaging, and marketing.

“The vision behind these investments is an agriculturally independent Philippines,” says MPIC Chairman, President, and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan.

“We want to help build a nation that’s capable of feeding all of its people.”

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Israel to the Republic of the Philippines His Excellency Ilan Fluss says, “I am proud that Israeli technologies and expertise are being introduced to the Philippines and can become part of the country’s journey towards food security and agricultural productivity. This is just the beginning of Israel and the Philippines’ venture on agriventures!”

Following their dairy partnership launched last December 2022, this is the second project of MPAV and the LR Group, and one of several partnerships closed by MPIC in the last twelve months. MPIC and MPAV continue to bolster its promise of becoming serious players in the field of agriculture. Partners in Produce

The Israeli-based LR Group began its global activities in 1985, encompassing a wide range of activities such as farming, greenhouses, poultry, processing, and dairy. Their projects integrate and implement Israeli knowledge and expertise leading to enhanced production capabilities and profitability.

Likewise, they further engage hundreds of small-scale farmers that supply their Agro Industrial Centres (AIC), turning subsistence farmers into cash cropping farmers. The company ensures that it tailors its AICs to the location and the market demand. together they create a value and supply chain providing food security, import replacement and local capacity building.

"The proposed project brings a new level of innovation and expertise to the region, with the goal of improving the agricultural industry and driving economic growth. By introducing advanced technology and best practices, productivity and quality are set to increase, resulting in better income and welfare for local residents,” says LR and IAI Chairman and Executive Director Ilan Weiss, adding "the project will create job opportunities and establish market links, positioning agriculture as a key player in driving prosperity in the region.”

The Vegetable Greenhouse Project will supply high-quality produce, reaching more Filipino homes with better quality vegetables. With more accessible supply, the goal is to create healthier and more nutritious meals that will significantly improve the Filipino diet and overall health. With modern greenhouse and farming technology, this project also reinvigorates the art of farming.

This opens up training opportunities and know-how of advanced farming techniques for our local farmers. Employment opportunities will also arise for surrounding communities. With long-term sustainability in mind, this project aims to produce more with less.

These modern greenhouses will be using less water, less land, and with controlled farming conditions, crop cycles are shorter and can be done year-round.

“Growing our own produce is a step in developing our country’s capability in terms of food sustainability,” says MPAV President and CEO Jovy I. Hernandez.

“Partnering with IAI and the LR Group moves us towards a future where ideally, food security is the norm, not just an aspiration. This is part of MPAV’s Fresh Forward Movement. Fresh is always Best and Filipinos deserve nothing less than Fresh.”

MPIC, through MPAV, continues to look for other opportunities in the agricultural sector, while aiming to achieve a wider presence in the dairy industry. This venture in agribusiness affirms MPIC’s resolve to be the largest catalyst for a Sustainable Philippines to achieve food security and ultimately food independence.

It is also aligned with the group’s efforts to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), particularly Goal 2: End hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.

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