A copra transformation in the Philippines

Mount Matutum, an ancient volcano, looms over General Santos City on the extreme southern end of the Philippines' southern island of Mindanao. The sandy, volcanic soil is a legacy of past transformations. Some of the latest transformations on this agricultural island involve Cargill's efforts to improve the livelihood of coconut farmers with both quality and sustainability projects. One result: the world's first certified-sustainable copra.

On Mindanao, the poorest island in the Philippines archipelago, Cargill is partnering with the Rainforest Alliance, German chemical company BASF and the German government to introduce a new, sustainable coconut farming culture. Cargill is involved in the training and has provided $435,000 for the effort.