Back in 2014, Go Negosyo had its first Agri-Negosyo Summit in World Trade Center with more than 10,000 participants who attended. It was one of the biggest gatherings of agri-entrepreneurs, farmers, poultry farmers and other agriculture sector stakeholders.

Participants were inspired by the success stories of the agri-preneurs. We pursued the summit because I personally believe that the sector has a tremendous potential that is waiting to be maximized. Agriculture is the game changer! If we can focus on developing the sector, it can further strengthen the economy.

The whole day session was a group mentorship with our “agri-preneurs” who have years of experience and expertise. This was our idea of mentoring three years ago.

Fast forward to 2016, we launched the Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) program in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry to provide micro and small entrepreneurs with a closer mentoring session with the help of entrepreneur-mentors who can answer their questions on business and give them techniques and strategies on how to handle and improve their enterprises.

After months of successful roll-outs since August last year, we decided to bring the Kapatid Mentor ME program to the agriculture sector. We collaborated with the Department of Agriculture, led by Sec. Manny Piñol, and the Agriculture Training Institute to generate another program called the Kapatid Agri Mentor ME Program (KAMMP). Go Negosyo adviser for agriculture Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar leads the implementation of the program.

KAMMP aims to equip agri-preneurs with the proper production technique and to align the agri-preneurs’ mindset and values to successfully run an agri enterprise. KAMMP also teaches agri-preneurs with practical knowledge and strategies to expand their business. Agri-preneurs will also be given the chance to consult mentors about their current business status. And lastly, KAMMP aims to nurture a community of dynamic, competitive, and sustainable agri-preneurs.