THE Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. Micro-Finance Inc. (Rafi MFI) has inked a partnership with a Balamban-based farmer association to help the latter improve production and market access.Under the memorandum of agreement signed by Jonar Dorado, chief operating officer of Rafi MFI, Anton Dignadice of One-to-Tree and Elisaldo Lapinid, chairman of the Lamesa Farmers’ Association (LFA), on March 2, 2022, the Lamesa Farmers’ Association (LFA) will form at least two clusters composed of eight farmer members each and Rafi MFI will provide each cluster with access to its financial and non-financial services.The LFA is an association based in the town of Balamban, Cebu, with 87 active farmer-members.Rafi MFI and One-to-Tree (OTT) will facilitate the implementation of the AgroEnterprise Cluster Approach (AECA), providing affordable access to markets, financing (money) and business development support (including mentorship), capacity and capability training.“By organizing our farmers to actively participate in a consolidated production for collective marketing, the chances of creating a sustainable agriculture-based enterprise increase,” the Rafi MFI said.Rafi OTT offers community-based and environmentally appropriate tree-growing services. It combines best practices in forestry with periodic maintenance and monitoring of projects to enhance seedling survival.“This partnership will open more markets for the products of the LFA members, business development and other forms of support with the ultimate goal of elevating the lives of these farmers and their families,” said Dorado.Lapinid said they are very grateful to Rafi MFI for seeing the importance of implementing the AECA Program. They are looking forward to a fruitful partnership that will not only help the members of the association but also benefit the agro-industry.