Roots of Pride and Honoring the Farmers Who Nourish Our Future
Interview with Edward Haight
A Legacy Rooted in the Land
Edward is a member of the Haight family, which has been farming in Atok, Benguet, for over a century. Their farm, spanning nearly 100 hectares, is managed by 30 families from their clan and has been passed down through generations. Producing a variety of highland vegetables and farm products, their harvests reach markets across the country.
When we visited Edward at his family’s farm, his passion for his craft was evident. His stories revealed not only the deep-rooted pride he holds for farming but also the challenges that farmers like him face daily.
The Harsh Reality of the Farming Trade
Edward detailed the complex system that governs the trade of agricultural products, explaining the roles of farmers, disposers, and buyers from Manila. Disposers provide financial assistance to farmers when they run out of money, enabling them to continue planting.
A vendor arranges a small variety of vegetables for sale outside Baguio Hangar Market
However, this system often leads to exploitation as disposers lend money to farmers, but once the vegetables are harvested, everything must be sold exclusively to them. In the end, they make significantly more than the farmers do. The profit is not even close once it has reached consumers.
He also shed light on the dynamics of trading centers and the key players involved.
Unlike in many other farming regions, Edward pointed out that 80-90% of Benguet farmers own their land, providing them with some security.
However, he acknowledged that despite advancements in the supply system, many farmers remain hesitant to adapt to changes, preferring to grow the same crops season after season.
A field of Chinese cabbages stretches further into the farm. Unstable cabbage prices have been linked to an oversupply as a result of overproduction by multiple farmers.
A Future in Question
Beyond the challenges of the farming industry, Edward also spoke about his personal struggles. His four daughters have pursued careers in medicine and law, choosing to build their lives in the city or abroad. Now, he is working to convince his youngest and only son to take an interest in farming.
He recognizes the difficulty of this task. With fewer young people willing to take over family farms, the future of their legacy is uncertain. If no one steps up, they may eventually have to hire outsiders to manage their land—a reality Edward hopes to avoid.
Despite the hardships, Edward wouldn't trade this life for anything. Farming is more than just growing food—it is a connection to heritage, a testament to resilience, and a labor of love passed down through generations.
He hopes that society and the government will recognize the vital role that farmers play—not just in sustaining the economy, but in keeping communities fed and thriving. Farmers are the backbone of our food supply, yet their contributions are often undervalued.
As Edward continues his work, he strives to pass on the lessons and values of farming to the next generation, hoping that someone will carry on the family legacy. Because for him, farming is not just a profession—it is a way of life.
