Given the country’s fertile soil, tropical climate, abundant natural resources, rich farming culture and genuine hospitality of Filipinos, the Philippines is very well-positioned for agritourism.

Agriculture has always been part of Filipino culture. This is who we are – a country with abundant natural resources, inhabited by warm hospitable people who know how to till the land. Acknowledging its importance and proudly sharing it with the world only intensifies our great love for the Philippines.

A local farmer planting rice at Cadapdapan Rice Terraces in Anda, Bohol

Philippines: One of the Top 8 Agritourism Destinations in the World

For a country that excels in both industries such as agriculture and tourism, there is no doubt of our potential to become an “agritourism destination”. In fact, the Philippines was named as one of the Top 8 Agritourism Destinations in the World in 2018. Also joining the list are countries such as Taiwan, Hawaii, Tuscany, Grenada, Mallorca, California, and Brazil.

What makes the Philippines stand out are factors such as multiple agritourism sites, huge plantations scattered across its vast archipelago, exotic tropical fruits and our English-speaking population.

Tropical fruits that are abundantly grown in the Philippines  | Source: Shutterstock  | Photo by: Anna Pustinnykova| Shutterstock ID: 586666994

Being part of the Top 8 list helps propel our initiatives to escalate this niche. Our inclination to agritourism can help create better ways to ensure that the tourism industry is made more sustainable.

DOT’s Direction: Agritourism in the Philippines

The Department of Tourism (DOT) along with the Department of Agriculture (DA) are driven to bring agritourism in the Philippines into new heights.

It might be interesting to note that, our current DOT Secretary Puyat also served as the undersecretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA) for 12 years – this creates a strong foundation making her the rightful person to maneuver us towards agritourism. She said, “Our tourism industry in the Philippines has been promoting the inclusive development of the countryside, supporting our farmers, Indigenous Peoples, women, and other marginalized groups through sustainable programs that uplift and empower.”  | Source: Department of Tourism

Agritourism: Agriculture Tourism Defined

Agritourism came from the two words “agriculture” and “tourism”.

Agri-tourism (also referred to as “farm tourism”), as defined by DOT, is a form of tourism activity conducted in a rural farm area which may include tending to farm animals, planting, harvesting and processing of farm products. It covers attractions, activities, services and amenities as well as other resources of the area to promote an appreciation of the local culture, heritage and traditions through personal contact with the local people.  | Source: Bureau of Agricultural Research

Agritourism, therefore, puts emphasis on showcasing nature and the good harvest. It usually takes place in rural or less developed areas where agriculture is the main source of income of the local community. It allows the local community to share and invite people to come, see, participate and appreciate the agricultural landscape and cultural heritage of the place.

A lovely couple enjoying the sceneries at Cadapdapan Rice Terraces in Anda, Bohol

Agritourism  |  Farm Tourism Activities

Agritourism activities may include vegetable- or fruit-picking, sampling of local wines, planting rice or root crops, visit to organic farms, milking cows, riding carabaos, catching fish, coffee bean picking, farm-to-table dining, and more.

This type of tourism invites active involvement from travelers. It triggers their curiosity and thirst for an authentic experience. It allows travelers to see, experience and participate in some agricultural activities which add more value to the overall experience of the place. 

With agritourism, travelers visit farms for the purpose of enjoyment, education and engagement with local people.

Accredited Agritourism Farm Sites in the Philippines

Agritourism Farm Site Accreditation | Source: Bureau of Agricultural Research

Here are some of the DOT-Accredited Farm Sites in the Philippines:

1. Layog Country Farm – Mountain Province
2. Terra Verde Eco Farm – Maragondon, Cavite
3. Amancio’s Dairy and Produce Farm – Cordon, Isabela
4. Tam-An Eco-Tourism Farm – Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
5. The Farmhouse by EDL – Capas, Tarlac
6. Amadeo Nurture Farmacy – Cavite
7. Sonrisa Farm – Magarao, Camarines Sur
8. Ephrathah Farms Corp. – Iloilo
9. Binahon Agroforesty Farm – Lantapan, Bukidnon
10. Mariano’s Blooming Agri-Tourism Park – Tupi, South Cotabato

There are around 105 accredited farm tourism sites in the country and the number continues to increase as more and more entities are applying for accreditation. Moreover, agritourism is also seen as a good “bounce-back strategy” for DOT and DA according to DOT Secretary Puyat. | Source: Manila Bulletin

Farm Tourism Attractions in the Philippines

People who like to escape the fast-paced urban life might find agritourism interesting. Travelers can visit farm sites and have first-hand experience of planting and/or picking vegetables and fruits which they can also easily bring home as a pasalubong or take-home items.

Demonstration, interaction with local farmers and food tasting can also be made part of the tour. 

1. Del Monte Pineapple Plantation

The 25,000 hectare Del Monte Pineapple Plantation is considered one of the biggest pineapple plantations in the world. It is located in the province of Bukidnon which is also dubbed as the “food basket in Mindanao” due to the presence of multiple farms, plantations and agro-tourism sites that are found there.

Del Monte Plantation at Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon

Visitors can have unlimited photo opportunities in the endless land of pineapples. They also have a manufacturing plant, souvenir shop, recreational area, a golf course, restaurant that readily accommodate tourists.

2. Grapes Farm – La Union

La Union is no longer just a surfer-magnet but also attracts wine lovers and the like. Dubbed as the “Grapes Capital of the Philippines”, there are four grape farms which are open to tourists for grapes-picking and wine tasting activities.

Grapes ready for harvest

It is impossible to leave this site without a basket filled with grapes or bottle of local wine. The wine tastes sweet and are sold at a very practical price.

3. Strawberry Farm – La Trinidad, Benguet

The Strawberry Farm at La Trinidad, Benguet is probably one of the first and most popular farm attractions in the Philippines.

hand-picked strawberries for take-home pasalubong

With close proximity to Baguio, one will never miss the opportunity to visit this vibrant Strawberry Farm. Popular delicacies include strawberry jam, strawberry ice cream, strawberry taho, strawberry wine and everything that is strawberry. To help you find the best pasalubong from the Philippines, here is an interesting blog that outlines the best take-home goodies from the Philippines.

Food and Farm Tourism: #KainNa!

Food and tourism are always intertwined. Food is always part of travel. It is one of the basic needs of man and one of the core reasons why we want to go to a certain place – to eat good food and savor the culture.

DOT Secretary Puyat during “Kain Na!” food festival said “we urge you all to ‘eat and drink Filipino’, too! Do partake of our local cuisine, agricultural produce and food and beverage products.  Every sip and every bite will help our farmers and food tourism stakeholders recover from this pandemic.  This is certainly a fun way to lend our support,” she added. | Source: Phil Star

“Kain Na!” (Let’s Eat!) is an annual food festival organized by the Department of Tourism to promote distinct regional Filipino cuisine, farm tourism, as well as tourism destinations. It is a meaningful gathering that allows people to enjoy and appreciate Filipino food culture. It is usually participated by hotels and restaurants, farm resorts, agri industry groups, eco-farm adventure parks, transport operators and members of academe. 

This year, however, the food festival is shifted to the digital platform due to the pandemic. Philippine coffee, tea and chocolates are highlighted on this year’s virtual symposium with experiential sessions, food demos and virtual tours. 

The Farm to Table Concept

Aside from food and farm tours, the farm to table concept has also catched attention in recent years. There has been a considerable rise in the number of health-conscious and sustainable advocates which requires better options in the food and product they consume.

Farm to table is a concept where restaurants stock their ingredients straight from their own farm or  from a direct local farmer. This way, restaurants are able to ensure the quality and freshness of the food they serve while promoting local produce, creating direct benefits to the local community.

Organic rice

Farm To Table: Organic Food Fresh From Farm

South Palms Resort, a premier beachfront resort in Panglao, Bohol, reinvented their operations to incorporate organic farming. The resort utilized the downtime caused by the pandemic to explore other possibilities while providing sustained benefits to their staff and the local community. 

Beginning October 8, 2020, guests can expect healthier options as they introduce farm-to-table meals. South Farm grows a wide variety of organic vegetables, spices and herbs which also supplies their sister resorts like the North Zen Villas. Organic meat and other furry animals are likewise found in the farm. Part of the future plan is to produce goat milk and cheese as well as add satellite farms for certain crops like coffee beans.

They are also reviving the traditional food production as well as the forgotten local arts and crafts in Bohol. By working closely with the local community, they tapped the help of local growers, painters, weavers and artisans. They are hopeful to promote the continuity of their rich local culture by integrating bits and pieces of it in the resort. Hope Uy, the Managing Director of South Palms said “In the new South Palms, we are embracing the agricultural elements of Bohol culture and bringing landscape elements to the hotel that celebrate rural Philippines”. | Source: South China Morning Post

Moreover, despite the painful lockdown, South Palms found a way to sustain the employment of their valued staff by letting them work at the farm. Their staff were taught new skills related to agriculture, carpentry and arts which will be extremely valuable given their new direction.

Support Agritourism in the Philippines

Agriculture has always been a part of what makes the Philippines, “the Philippines”.

Rice, corn, vegetables, fruits – you name it, the Philippines have it. Nature has gifted us with so much bounties. With a plethora of beautiful sceneries, abundant natural resources, balanced tropical climate, there is no doubt of our tourism potential.

The promotion of agritourism in the Philippines can create endless ways to showcase the richness of our land and the beauty of our culture. It is such a beautiful thing to capitalize on assets and resources that we innately have, instead of putting up “forced superstructures” that aren’t really there – not only do they cost millions of peso, they can also be detrimental to the environment in the long run.

Group of tourists watching a local harvest coconuts

With agritourism, organic local produce becomes a valuable commodity. The local farmers receive direct benefits. Income is distributed to the local community. Local businesses flourish. Tourists as well as locals gain a better appreciation of what’s around them. The environment is nurtured – indeed, this type of tourism can only produce positive outcomes.

Nature has gifted the Philippines with so much abundance. The least we can do is to take care of these and be the best stewards. The more that we take care of the environment, the more that it will thrive. It is such a beautiful thing to be part of something that creates a positive change for the environment, for the community and for the tourism industry in general – something that goes beyond short-term profitability but a kind of tourism that yields long-term sustainable impacts for all.