Episode 33: The Critical Need for Safer Food Now with Michael Melendres

What does it take to scale organic farming from a single farm to a million kilos of produce annually? In this episode of the Good and Green Podcast, Chit Juan talks to Mike Melendres, founder of Organic Options, Earthman, and Biotech JP. From a modest farm in 2001 to a vertically integrated business promoting food safety, farmer training, and agricultural innovation, Mike shares how his journey has stayed rooted in his core values of health, sustainability, and impact. Whether it’s helping smallholder farmers shift to organic practices or introducing low-calorie, low-protein rice through Japanese fermentation technology, Mike proves that good food and good business can go hand in hand.

GUEST BIO:

Michael “Mike” Melendres is a farmer-entrepreneur and visionary behind multiple agri-based enterprises that uplift smallholder farmers and champion food safety. As founder and president of Organic Options, he helped build a supply chain that delivers nearly a million kilos of organic produce annually while ensuring better prices and stable markets for family farms. Through Earthman & Co., he trains and equips farmers to become agri-preneurs using climate-resilient and science-based farming models. Mike also leads Biotech JP, a joint venture bringing low-protein and low-calorie rice innovations to niche markets in the Philippines and abroad. His advocacy centers on making healthy, safe food accessible while proving that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand. A UPLB Distinguished Alumnus, Mike has been recognized for his work in agro-enterprise development and social entrepreneurship.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why Mike transitioned from chemical to organic farming.
• How Organic Options grew to distribute nearly a million kilos annually.
• The creation of Earthman to train and support smallholder farmers.
• Marrying organic and regenerative agriculture for larger impact.
• How Biotech JP introduced healthier rice options for niche markets.
• Why food safety should be at the center of agriculture and consumption.

QUOTES:

• The core today is still organic because that's our belief. Food should be safe. — Michael Melendres
• We try to look for ways on how to share the knowledge because the people who are with me enjoy these activities also. — Michael Melendres
• If you believe in your product, then you might as well do everything. — Michael Melendres
• We're in the business of food safety. We're not in the business of food security. — Michael Melendres
• To eat food that is safe is a must. It's a need and it's a must. — Michael Melendres

LINKS or RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Connect with Michael Melendres on:

• Organic Options - https://www.organicoptions.store
• Earthman & Co. - https://www.earthman.com.ph/
• BiotechJP - https://biotechjp.com.ph

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Chapters

• 0:00 [ ] GNG Ep 33 - Michael Melendres
• 12:35 Marker
• 15:06 Marker