Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Philippine Center for Postharvest
Development and Mechanization
CLSU Compound, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija

SUCCESS STORIES

Minimal Processing of Vegetables at the Costales Nature Farms
by Mila B. Gonzalez (March 18, 2019)
“We have fresh, crispy vegetables because of postharvest technologies… and PHilMech taught us the process and the use of facilities to preserve our vegetables,” said Mrs. Josephine Ferreras Costales, “Josie” for short. She is the chairperson and co-founder of the Costales Nature Farms (CNF).

The CNF is based in Barangay Gagalot, Majayjay, Laguna. It harvests different kinds of lettuce and other vegetables. Lettuce like Romaine, Green Ice, Lollo Rosa, Frillice; herbs; and other upland and lowland vegetables are grown.

“We air dry our fresh produce, sort them, label and chill them…” added Josie.

The CNF minimally process their organic produce. Because of these well-handled vegetables, the markets of CNF include high-end markets like Shangri-la Hotel, Dizon Organics, Bistro Group, Solaire Resort and Casino and many others.

Minimal processing of vegetables include procedures like washing, sorting, trimming, peeling, slicing, packing, chilling, and so forth. The system prepares vegetables for ready-to- eat or ready- to-cook form. Hence, they command higher price in the market. To further prolong the shelf life of minimally processed vegetables, PHilMech recommends that these be stored in cold storage facility.

The CNF was established in 2005. The place was built by a loving couple –Ronald Costales (now deceased) and Josie Costales. The two were college sweethearts at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.

From a one hectare farm, the CNF has expanded into eight hectares. From a single proprietorship, the CNF Inc. has grown into a group of companies. From a simple family getaway, the place has opened to the public as agri-tourism site.

Since 2012, the Costales Nature Farms, Inc. has been receiving numerous awards from different award-giving bodies like the Department of Tourism, Department of Agriculture, Villar Sipag Foundation, Go-Negosyo and the Gold Brands, Philippines, among others. Their awards include the Best Farm Tourism Award, Model in Agri-Tourism Destination in the Philippines, Most Valued Extension Partner for Sustainable Livelihood Program, Most Inspiring Agri-Entrepreneur of the Philippines, Most Oustanding Community Enterprise in the Philippines, 100 Philippines’ Most Powerful and Most Admired Brands, and the 2012 Gawad Saka Most Oustanding Organic Farm in the Philippines.

As to the secret of their success, Josie revealed: “Family solidarity, sharing each other’s strengths through good times and bad times…”

With the death of CNF founder, Ronald Costales, this family solidarity has been more pronounced. Josie, along with children Reden and Angelica, vowed to keep the legacy of Ronald– the Costales Nature Farms. They promised to make his memory alive among family members, friends, colleagues, acquaintances and most of all the many organic farmers he has taught and inspired.