The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) is pushing for a new era of rice farming with the launch of the Rice Business Innovations System (RiceBIS) 2.0, a program designed to transform Filipino rice farmers into agri-entrepreneurs.
Program Lead Diadem Gonzales-Esmero said RiceBIS 2.0 seeks to shift the mindset of farmers from being solely producers to becoming business-minded groups with greater influence in the market.
“This program encourages farmer organizations to consolidate and work together to boost their bargaining power,” Esmero said, highlighting the importance of collective action and enterprise development.
A key component of RiceBIS 2.0 is strengthening market linkages, helping farmers connect with institutional buyers, secure stable outlets, and explore partnerships that add value to their products.
The initiative also supports product innovation rooted in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), ensuring safety and sustainability for consumers, producers, and the environment. Some cooperatives have already developed value-added products such as brown rice crispies and brown rice kropek—snacks with market potential currently under further enhancement.
In a notable example, one cooperative under the original RiceBIS program successfully marketed its rice briquettes, a by-product used as an alternative fuel and now sold in a restaurant as coal.
Esmero emphasized that RiceBIS 2.0 also opens access to government support services, including grants, equipment, and training from both public and private institutions.
To qualify for RiceBIS 2.0, interested farmer organizations must be registered associations or cooperatives with a minimum covered area of 50 hectares, at least ₱500,000 in operating capital, and an endorsement from their local government unit.
Currently, four Nueva Ecija-based cooperatives are enrolled in the program: Batitang Agriculture Cooperative, Pinagbuklod na Adhika Multipurpose Cooperative, and Ugat-Uhay Agriculture Cooperative in Zaragoza, and the Cama Juan Multipurpose Cooperative in San Antonio. (PIA 3 | Camille C. Nagaño)