The Terra Madre Asia Pacific 2025, co-organized by the Negros Occidental provincial government, did not provide the anticipated economic boost or income for local farmers, said Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson.
While the event may have had a positive impact in attracting foreign investors eager to experience the region’s cuisine, Lacson said he was disappointed that the local organic farmers did not benefit more.
“It’s disappointing in a sense, because we were hoping our organic farmers would benefit more from hosting Terra Madre,” Lacson said.
He said he envisioned Terra Madre as a prime opportunity to connect Negros’ organic farmers directly with international chefs and delegates, fostering sales and promoting the region’s agricultural products.
Lacson emphasized that the integration of the Organic Festival with Terra Madre was specifically designed to achieve this goal.
“It was an intentional decision on our part to hold the Organic Festival alongside Terra Madre Asia Pacific. This alignment was meant to create synergy, enabling our Terra Madre chefs from across Asia and the Pacific to source directly from local farmers and showcase the richness of our island’s produce to delegates from the Philippines and around the world,” Lacson said.
Of the P2.8 million in sales during the five-day event, only P185,000, or 6.5 percent, came from Terra Madre exhibitors, the governor noted. The provincial government of Negros Occidental invested P 6 million in Terra Madre.
He also noted that the bulk of Terra Madre’s purchases, which is P133,000, were made only on the last day, after constant prodding from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist for the group to buy raw materials from local organic producers.
Lacson stressed the need for a thorough evaluation of the event’s impact and strategies to better support local farmers in future initiatives.
The event was co-hosted by the Bacolod City government, which also extended financial support. ||
