Agro-Circularity in Renewable Energy: ACEN partners with SariSuki to improve farmers’ livelihoods

ACEN, the energy platform of the Ayala Group, announced a strategic partnership with SariSuki, the Philippines’ largest online platform revolutionizing the agricultural supply chain. The collaboration aims to support local farmers in ACEN’s host communities by providing the necessary agricultural skills to grow suitable crops on the company’s renewable energy lands and streamline the supply chain to increase market reach and profitability.

The partnership launched the Agro-Circularity in Renewable Energy (ACRE) program to support a circular economy in the farming communities where ACEN operates. The innovative farm-to-market strategy aims to increase yields by 50%, significantly exceeding the national average of eight tons per hectare.

The ACRE program will introduce modern farm management practices to local farmers, shaping a new generation of “agripreneurs.” Training will cover basic skills such as crop selection, basic business practices such as costing, and creating value-added products from their produce. The program also aims to improve agricultural infrastructure, ensuring efficient market access from farmers to end consumers.

“We recognize the many challenges facing the agricultural sector in the Philippines, and our partnership with SariSuki turns these challenges into opportunities,” said Irene Maranan, SVP and Head of Corporate Communications and Sustainability at ACEN. “This initiative not only demonstrates responsible land use through the integration of agriculture and renewable energy, but will also help alleviate the plight of local farmers in our host communities by providing them with access to modern agricultural tools, training, and infrastructure to reach broader markets and improve overall food security.”

Brian Cu, Co-Founder and CEO of SariSuki, highlighted the importance of this initiative: “The country’s journey towards food security is strewn with obstacles, and this partnership aims to address these challenges by addressing key issues: proper and effective management of agricultural land, enhancing farmers’ capacity and developing their existing skills, and ensuring their access to consumers.”

The pilot program began at ACEN Conservation Estate in Ilocos Norte and is expected to expand to the company’s other solar and wind projects in the Philippines. The Conservation Estate uses an integrated approach to sustainable development, including reforestation, agroforestry and biodiversity conservation through community engagement, farmers, foresters and local government.

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