Harvesting for the future

MANILA, Philippines - Despite the fact that the country’s agriculture sector lags behind our Southeast Asian neighbors in terms of technology and management compared to 20-30 years ago, there is one man who’s determined to help turn things around. Like “ripple in the pond” he is steadfast in his desire to start a trend and hopefully, harvest enough support and bring back the local agricultural sector to its once-lofty status.

Antonio “Tony” Tiu, who hails from Zambales and is just 34 years old, is at the helm of AgriNurture, Inc. (ANI), an agro-commercial company specializing in the international and local distribution of quality fresh fruits and vegetables, as its president and chief executive officer. The company supplies best-of-breed fresh fruits and vegetables to many leading supermarkets and commercial establishments nationwide.

ANI made history in 2009 when it was listed at the Philippine Stock Exchange, the premier bourse’s first listing for the year and the only purely agricultural company that is listed in the bourse’s 40 years of existence. Earlier that year, ANI established another record as it became the first Philippine-based—and agricultural—company to be registered in a First World stock market, Australia’s National Stock Exchange (NSX).

ANI is a company Tony considers a trend-setter through its “farm-to-plate” business model, which ensures a steady supply of high-quality fresh and processed agricultural food products. This model is supported by full forward and backward integrations through ANI’s farming subsidiary, Best Choice Harvest, which undertakes joint-venture farming, contract growing, farm/plantation leasing, and farming research and development with local farmers and landowners, particularly in the Visayas and Mindanao, in order to serve ANI’s supply needs. It also allows ANI to expand its operations by synergizing vital business activities, from farming, packing, trading, distribution, processing, canning, up to sales.

Despite being a young firm, he said they have already met—and exceeded—most of their targets and looks forward to sustain growth without leaving behind its commitment to society. Quite an achievement as the company endeavors to help put the Philippines back in the global agricultural map.

Locally, he sees the agriculture sector experiencing rapid growth in three to five years due to an increase in demand brought about by population growth, reduction of arable land and water resources and reduction of food supply due to global warming. Globally, on the other hand, he said the country will play a significant role in the agriculture business arena. “Our proximity to China and Japan is an advantage, business-wise. The fact that we have vast tracts of untapped farm land for cultivation, coupled with affordable farm labor anywhere in the country gives us the edge.”

As an investment area, however, Tony sees the agriculture sector as an investment magnet for young businessmen like him who look at long-term returns and fulfillment of social responsibility. “Investing in the agriculture sector is a long-term thing that’s why this is not a business for retirees. I treat this endeavor as a mission rather than purely for profit. This is a long-term thing that fits me because when I do something, I finish it with a flourish.”