Seeds Learning Exchange Part 2

Seeds Learning Exchange Part 2
From Sharing to Scaling: Cooperative Models Across Borders
Expanding horizons, cultivating stronger cooperatives
October 2026 | Philippines

Context

The Seeds Learning Exchange Part I was successfully completed in October 2025. Four AFA members from Timor Leste, Indonesia, and Laos traveled to Cambodia to share their experiences in producing and marketing rice and vegetable seeds during the launch of the Seeds Project. This initial exchange provided valuable insights and strengthened cross-country collaboration among farmer organizations.

Building on the momentum of the first exchange, the second learning exchange aims to deepen knowledge sharing and broaden perspectives. CamSeed, which has been recognized by the Cambodian government as a modern agricultural cooperative, stands at a pivotal stage in its development. While it has achieved significant milestones, exposure to diverse cooperative models is essential to inspire new thinking and encourage ambition beyond current achievements.

Emerging Objectives

The Seeds Learning Exchange was originally conceived to develop knowledge and communication products that would support uptake and policy influencing on increasing the supply and market adoption of traditional seed varieties. Through shared experiences and collaborative learning, the initiative aimed to produce regional analysis and training materials that promote and strengthen local seed cooperatives across AFA member countries.

As the learning exchange evolved, it became clear that participating cooperatives have diverse needs and growth trajectories. In particular, CamSeed — recognized by the Cambodian government as a modern agricultural cooperative — stands to benefit from exposure to advanced cooperative models. Considering these emerging needs, the second learning exchange now seeks to provide CamSeed with fresh perspectives drawn from the Philippine experience, inspiring its members to adopt new mindsets and pursue higher goals for their cooperative’s development.

• Provide CamSeed with a fresh perspective by showcasing the Philippine model of an advanced cooperative through self-help initiatives and by partnering with government agencies and other partners;
• Inspire and motivate CamSeed members to envision and pursue larger goals for their cooperative;
• Strengthen regional solidarity by linking cooperative experiences across Southeast Asia.
• Encourage innovation in seed production, marketing, and cooperative governance through comparative learning.

Desired Outcomes

At the end of the four-day learning exchange, it is expected that the following outcomes are achieved:

• Enhanced understanding of cooperative models and pathways for growth.
• Renewed motivation among CamSeed members to set higher aspirations.
• Stronger regional cooperation among AFA member farmer organizations committed to advancing seed systems and cooperative development.
• Key take-away and immediate actions to move towards cooperative growth identified.

Expected Outputs

At the end of the four-day learning outcomes, the following outputs are achieved:

• Documentation of the highlights of activity – narrative, stills and video footages;
• Participants’ articulation of the key learnings/lessons from the field visit; and
• Participants’ reflections and key action points for the next six months (and/or one year) through a “Stop, start, continue” activity.
• Case study of LAMAC and SIDC

Cooperatives to be Visited

1. Lamac Multi-Purpose Cooperative (LMPC). This cooperative stands out for its diversified business ventures, strong rural roots, and rapid asset growth. Its model blends financial inclusion, agro-enterprise, retail, tourism, integrated farm school, among other ventures, making it one of the most innovative and resilient cooperatives in the Philippines. It has multi-commodity value chains including cacao, rice, cassava, corn, dairy, vegetables, and aquaculture. Its value chain approach is holistic, from inputs, to training, production, processing, and retail/marketing. This coop can show how smallholder farmers can integrate crops into full value chain and diversify income. Currently, it has a membership off over 179,000 and an asset of around PHP 3.9 B (USD 63M). For details, visit their website: Lamac Multi-Purpose Cooperative

2. Soro-soro Ibaba Development Cooperative (SIDC). This cooperative focuses on large-scale livestock, feed milling, rice milling, and contract growing among its members. SIDC is highly industrial, producing 9,000 bags of feed mill per day, milling 1,600 bags of rice a day, has a grains terminal and hog and poultry contract growing with its members. SIDC produces organic fertilizer under its own brand Koop Likas Organikong Pataba which is available at all coop stores nationwide. This coop can show how cooperatives can scale up production and integrate with national markets. Presently, it has over 81,000 members and an asset of PHP 1.8B (USD 29M). For details, visit their website: SIDC COOP