Agrilever, an agritech startup, is expanding its initiatives to support Filipino rice farmers by providing access to technological resources, financial services, and essential farming inputs. The company aims to address critical challenges faced by farmers, including limited access to credit and the impact of climate change.
Agrilever’s programs focus on bridging the gap between farmers and financial institutions, facilitating access to loans and credit. “By bridging the gap between farmers and financial institutions, we are not only empowering them with better resources but also ensuring a more resilient and productive agricultural sector,” stated Ruel Amparo, Chief Executive Officer at Agrilever.
The company’s efforts respond to data from the World Bank, which indicates that a significant portion of Filipino farmers lacks insurance and faces limited access to formal credit. This results in reliance on informal lenders with high interest rates, impacting farmers’ income.
Agrilever acts as an intermediary, managing relationships between banks and farmers. It provides technology, on-site support, and fertilizer assistance to ensure farmers can manage their loans effectively through improved yields.
“We hope to reach rice farmers nationwide and provide them with the financial tools, fertilizers, and weather analytics they need to navigate climate challenges and boost their yields. The more farmers we empower, the stronger our entire agricultural economy becomes,” Amparo explained.
Agrilever has established partnerships with institutions such as the Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Credit Policy Council (DA-ACPC) and New Rural Bank of San Leonardo. Its collaboration with BPI Direct BanKo, Inc., led to the launch of the Agri NegosyoKo Loan Program, designed to enhance agricultural practices and livelihoods.
The company’s proprietary app provides farmers with crop management protocols and weather intelligence, enabling them to mitigate climate-related risks. “By integrating advanced weather forecasting, digital credit scoring, and real-time loan monitoring, we ensure that farmers have the resources to make informed decisions. This not only helps them increase their harvest but also enables them to repay their loans on time—creating a win-win situation for farmers, financial institutions, and the entire agricultural value chain,” said Amparo.
Agrilever also offers fertilizer support, distributing essential inputs upon loan approval. “Supporting our farmers means securing our nation’s future. By integrating financial services, technology, and education, Agrilever is paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous agricultural industry in the Philippines,” Amparo added.
Agrilever plans to introduce additional programs targeting rice farmers’ needs throughout 2025.