FEATURE: Spring Bloom Agrifarm’s dedication to high-value agriculture – The admiring story of Spring Bloom Agri Farm

Spring Bloom Agrifarm is a high-value commercial crop farm located in Concordia, Sibunag, Guimaras. What began in 2015 as a dream of Mr. Gerard M. Camiña and Mrs. Maria Luisa S. Camiña has blossomed into a premium agricultural enterprise, earning admiration and recognition both locally and internationally.

A Vision Takes Root

The journey of Spring Bloom Agrifarm started with Sir Gerard’s decision to leave his government post after a distinguished career, which included being a Gawad CES Presidential Awardee Finalist and a three-time Best Regional Director of LTO Region VI. Faced with political conflicts and inspired by his father’s farming legacy, Sir Gerard dedicated himself entirely to the farmland.

The Camiñas’ 32-hectare property in Guimaras was initially a forested area. Through sheer determination and hard work, it has been transformed into a diversified and accessible farm. The farm’s success story began with the planting of Lakatan bananas. It later expanded to include a variety of crops, such as red lady papayas, sweet corn, black pepper, and hybrid coconuts. Notably, their expansive cacao plantation has gained particular acclaim.

Establishing a Learning Site

With a vision to share knowledge and empower fellow farmers, the owner—an experienced teacher with a background in human behavior, organization, and financial management—encouraged by Sir Larry Nacionales, the former DA—WV Regional Director—transformed his farm into a learning site. The Department of Agriculture (DA) provided crucial interventions and training, including National Certificate (NC) II programs in Guimaras.

“The main reason I established a learning site in agriculture is because I sympathize with the farmers who don’t have access,” Sir Gerard explains.

This commitment to education is evident as the farm hosts seminars by the DA-Agriculture Training Institute (ATI) and collaborates with various government agencies. It offers a comprehensive food journey from production to consumption, engaging visitors in harvesting, storage, processing, packaging, and sales.

Strategic Crop Cultivation

Sir Gerard emphasizes the importance of strategic planning in agriculture. The farm’s business model is built around cultivating current, immediate, and long-term crops to ensure financial stability and sustainability.

To manage weekly payroll and expenses, Spring Bloom Agrifarm focuses on current crops like sweet corn and papaya. Sweet corn, which can be harvested in just 10 weeks, is planted and harvested twice a week, creating a continuous production cycle. Papaya, though more challenging, has been a staple for six years. Despite fluctuations in yield, the farm persists because papaya trees begin fruiting after 12 months and can produce for 8–10 months.

The farm also invests in immediate crops such as citrus, pomelo, lemon, and calamansi. Calamansi, a high-value crop in Guimaras, is a farm product and a feature in their restaurant, which is offered in unlimited quantities to customers. The pomelo, sourced from Davao, has seen years of abundant harvests, although recent El Niño conditions have impacted production. Citrus fruits take 3–5 years to mature, providing a steady source of income in the medium term.

 

For long-term sustainability, Spring Bloom Agrifarm cultivates coconuts and cacao. Cacao trees take 3–5 years to bear fruit and can continue producing for up to 30 years. Similarly, coconut trees have a lifespan of 20–25 years, ensuring a long-term investment in the farm’s future.

Sir Gerard’s approach to farming is rooted in perseverance and strategic planning. He highlights the importance of good seeds and maintenance, noting that a well-maintained papaya tree can yield significant weekly profits. With nearly 20 employees and substantial weekly expenses, the farm’s strategic crop cultivation ensures it remains financially viable.

Challenges and Triumphs

In 2023, the farm achieved a remarkable milestone, producing 5 tons of cacao beans—the highest in Region 6. However, the farm’s cacao production has faced challenges, particularly during periods of El Niño. Sir Gerard acknowledges the crucial role of their hybrid coconuts, which provide essential shade for the cacao trees.

Managing farms for nearly 15 years, the owner cites El Niño as the biggest challenge. “This is the worst,” Sir Gerard recalls, noting the severe drought that dried up three creeks and left the farm without rain from April to June. Despite these hardships, he remains steadfast. “We have to endure,” he added. This resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to the farm’s unwavering commitment to its mission.

To combat this challenge, three best practices guided Spring Bloom Agrifarm’s success: first, linking with government agencies, utilizing free resources, knowledge, and support from government bodies and fellow farmers; second, persistence, praying and persevering through difficult weather conditions; and third, investing wisely, starting small and gradually expanding to manage budget.

Despite a significant drop in cacao production due to adverse weather conditions, the price of cacao has increased, allowing the farm to maintain its operations and focus on producing its renowned Concordia Tablea and the signature Espeso Batirol Batidor-chocolate espresso drink, which has become a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Moreover, Spring Bloom Agrifarm’s impact extends beyond its crops. It actively participates in community events and festivals, showcasing its produce and innovative food products. Their recent triumph at the Manggahan Festival Cooking Contest and invitation to the Hotel Tambuli event highlight the farm’s growing reputation in the culinary world. In this aspect, Mrs. Luisa Camiña takes the leadership among its employees. The appetizing Guimaras Mangga Pasta, the delectable Manok Maanyag Sang Sibunag, Cacao Chocolate Espeso Batirol Batidor, Lipong nga Luyong-luyong, and Kinilaw Saw Saw sa Langgaw using the unique evergreen luyong luyong from the farm and langgaw sa tuba, Guimaras puto maya paired with Guimaras mango and chocolate baterol were described by the judges as exquisite winning entries.

Under the stewardship of Sir Gerard and Ma’am Luisa, the farm has flourished by adopting a strategic and diversified approach to agriculture. Their dedication to sharing knowledge and fostering a collaborative environment has made Spring Bloom Agrifarm not just a successful business, but a pillar of the local farming community. Their role in the community is a source of pride and inspiration for all involved.

The farm’s cacao beans have garnered significant recognition, and in September 2021, the Department of Trade and Industry named it one of the Top 3 Best Cacao Beans in Region 6. This honor is evidence of the quality and dedication that go into their farming practices. The farm’s membership in the Slow Food Community in Guimaras, led by Elena Aniere, further underscores its commitment to sustainable and high-quality food production. This commitment to sustainable farming practices is an inspiration for the future of agriculture.

Empowering the Community

Beyond crop cultivation, Sir Gerard is deeply committed to empowering the farming community. As the Western Visayas Cacao Cooperative chairperson and a member of various organizations, he plays an important role in organizing cooperatives and people’s organizations. He believes in the power of collective action to meet market demands, stating, “If we just go single, we cannot answer the demand in the market. If they demanded 1 ton per week, how can we come up with that?” he added.

As a learning site, Sir Gerard often welcomes farmers to seminars and training. “I am happy to meet farmers and to impart to them my experience, my failures, and my little successes,” he explains. The farm’s open-door policy and hands-on training sessions help farmers improve their practices and grow together.

Expansion and Diversification

Spring Bloom Agrifarm operates another learning site in Arevalo, a farm area at the back of their restaurant Balay na Bato. The farm’s diversification efforts include a newfound interest in coconuts, partnering with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) to develop a new farm dedicated to dwarf coconut seed nuts (Tacunan and Catigan) for dispersal in Guimaras Province. The long process of ensuring pure seed nuts reflects their dedication to quality and sustainability.

Additionally, the Provincial Government is set to open a facility for producing coconut virgin oil in San Lorenzo, Guimaras. Sir Gerard and Ma’am Luisa see this as a game-changer. “If the coco mill materializes in Guimaras, the PCA will buy it per nut, and they will buy plenty for 5 pesos per nut,” Sir Gerard explains.

Finding Solace in the Farm

The couple spends two nights and three days a week on the farm, which they find therapeutic and relaxing. The Camiña’s house’s open doors symbolize his hospitality and openness to visitors, treating everyone as friends. Their staff from Concordia, Guimaras, have been with their family for generations, reflecting deep trust and a sense of community.

“When I come to the farm, I feel relaxed, especially when I see the fruits of our labor and think about the people who have helped along the way,” he shares.

Spring Bloom Agrifarm’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and community; through education, diversification, and unwavering determination, the farm has overcome challenges and set a benchmark for agricultural success in Western Visayas. As Mr. and Mrs Camiña continue to inspire and empower others, the future of Spring Bloom Agrifarm looks brighter than ever.###(DA-RAFIS-6).Photos by C. Lauresta