Product Offerings
Products:
Processed Agricultural Products: Veggie Pasta, Veggie Pancit Canton, Smoked Boneless Bangus, Seafood & Value‑added farm products
SATOCA Agrarian Reform Cooperative, based in Sagay City, Negros Occidental, is a community-driven agricultural cooperative focused on transforming local farming practices and enhancing rural livelihoods through the production and distribution of innovative, value-added food products. Registered and operated by agrarian reform beneficiaries, SATOCA plays a vital role in advancing agribusiness development in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines.
Core Business
SATOCA operates primarily as an agrarian reform cooperative under the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), engaged in the production, processing, and marketing of agricultural goods. The cooperative was established to empower local farmers by providing them with direct market access, technical training, and value chain development.
Product and Service Offerings
SATOCA has diversified its agricultural outputs into a compelling line of processed food items, contributing to local food innovation and food security. Its primary products include:
- Veggie Pasta: Nutrient-enriched pasta made from locally grown vegetables such as malunggay (moringa), squash, and carrots.
- Veggie Pancit Canton: A healthier, vegetable-infused twist on a beloved Filipino noodle dish.
- Smoked Boneless Bangus: Ready-to-eat milkfish processed using traditional smoking techniques.
- Value-Added Farm Products: Including locally sourced seafood and various processed crops, often tailored for local trade fairs and community markets.
These products align with the cooperative’s mission of sustainable agriculture and community-based food production.
Specialisation and Core USP
SATOCA’s core strength lies in its integration of sustainable agriculture and community development. Their vegetable-based food products are part of a strategic response to health-conscious market trends, promoting nutrition while supporting smallholder farmers.
Its USP includes:
- Use of natural ingredients grown by cooperative members
- Empowerment of agrarian reform beneficiaries
- Focus on health-conscious and eco-friendly food processing
Financials and Export Footprint
As a community cooperative, SATOCA operates within a micro- to small-enterprise scale. Financial growth is closely tied to grants, government partnerships, and community investments.
Although SATOCA currently operates within the domestic market, particularly in Negros Occidental and nearby provinces, the cooperative has showcased its products in national trade events like IFEX Philippines, hinting at future ambitions for regional or international expansion.
Target Market
SATOCA targets:
- Local consumers and health-conscious families seeking affordable, nutritious food products.
- School feeding programs and LGU-supported nutrition projects
- Pasalubong centers and agri-fairs focused on native, sustainable goods.
The cooperative also serves as a supplier for institutional buyers looking for community-sourced, socially responsible food items.
Capabilities
SATOCA’s operational model includes:
- Farmer training in organic farming and sustainable methods
- Small-scale food processing units for noodles, fish, and other agri-products
- Collaborative marketing through LGU events, Department of Agriculture expos, and online platforms
The cooperative leverages both manual labor and semi-mechanized equipment, enabling customized, low-footprint production.
Certifications and Compliance Records
While formal international certifications are pending, SATOCA is:
- Registered with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA)
- Licensed by local government units and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
- Compliant with basic sanitation and food handling protocols
Efforts are ongoing to acquire further certifications such as:
- FDA Philippines for processed food
- Organic Certification for select vegetable products
Customer Testimonials
Community feedback consistently highlights the quality and uniqueness of SATOCA’s veggie-based products. Parents and local nutrition advocates often commend the cooperative’s pasta and noodles as healthy alternatives for children’s meals.
Major Achievements
- DAR Endorsement: Recognized as a successful agrarian reform cooperative by regional DAR offices.
- Product Innovation: Pioneered vegetable-based noodles in their region, enhancing nutrition and shelf-life of staple foods.
- Trade Fair Presence: Featured in DTI and IFEX exhibitions, expanding visibility and connecting with new markets.
- Social Impact: Directly benefits dozens of farmer-members and their families, creating a sustainable rural economic model.
SATOCA Agrarian Reform Cooperative exemplifies how agricultural cooperatives can go beyond subsistence farming to become innovative food producers and vital economic drivers. With a strong foundation in community, sustainability, and health-focused production, SATOCA is positioned for broader impact in the Philippine food ecosystem.