News Details

La Union Lemon Grower Champions Climate-Resilient, Year-Round Farming Model

NPO

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December 5, 2025

MALASIQUI, Pangasinan — A citrus farmer from La Union is urging fellow growers to shift from seasonal crops to lemon tree cultivation, highlighting its ability to generate year-round harvests and withstand erratic weather patterns.

Lope Bautista of L&D Citrus Farm in Naguilian said Thursday (Dec. 4, 2025) that lemon trees offer continuous income, making them a reliable alternative to traditional crops like rice and vegetables.

“This is one of the best crops in agriculture, even for families sending children to school. Because it is year-round, the income never stops,” Bautista said.

Bautista established his farm in 2019. Though he initially struggled to market green lemons, demand grew sharply during the pandemic. Today, his family processes their lemons into bottled beverages under the brand “Perr-Res,” which are sold online, in pasalubong centers, and at trade fairs.

His daughter, Lopemae — a recent finance graduate — has since joined the venture and earned national recognition through a young farmers’ award for their product line.

With 480 lemon trees producing an estimated 500 kilos each annually, Bautista credits the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for the training and support that helped their business thrive.

NPO News Team | PNA–PR