By Kenneth Marcos 
On a busy morning at Banna Public Market in Ilocos Norte, the tables of the Banna Multipurpose Cooperative were filled with sacks of rice, fresh eggs, and locally raised meat. The bustling crowd could hardly imagine that just a year ago, this cooperative was a small group of farmers looking for ways to increase their income.
Today, the cooperative is proving that collective effort can boost agricultural earnings. According to Crisencio Ramos, cooperative manager, the group now earns at least PhP10,000 on ordinary days and PhP40,000–PhP50,000 on market days. Their secret: selling their own farm produce alongside products from partner farmer groups.
The cooperative participates in the Department of Agriculture’s RiceBIS program, which promotes certified and sustainable rice production. They offer GAP-approved brown rice, black rice, premium NSIC Rc 160, glutinous rice, as well as eggs and meat from their livestock. To strengthen community ties and support fellow farmers, they also sell rice-based products like rice brew and rice krispies from other local farmer groups.
Deputy Executive Director Karen Eloisa T. Barroga commended the cooperative for its strong management and encouraged members to continue growing their business while maintaining good practices. “Their success shows how organized farmer groups can improve income, expand opportunities, and make agriculture more profitable,” she said.
The story of the Banna Multipurpose Cooperative highlights the benefits of teamwork, smart farming, and market access. By leveraging programs like RiceBIS and collaborating with other farmer groups, small-scale producers can compete in the market, increase their profits, and contribute to local food security.
As the cooperative thrives, it inspires other farmers in Ilocos Norte and beyond to explore collective farming ventures and diversify their income sources. The message is clear: with cooperation, planning, and quality produce, local farmers can turn agriculture into a steady and profitable livelihood.
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