The Marsman Estate Plantation, Inc. (MEPI) was one of the first banana plantations established in Mindanao and the first venture of the Marsman-Drysdale Group in the banana export industry. The 1,071+ hectares farm is MDAHI's largest banana plantation, strategically located in the municipality of Sto. Tomas, Davao Province -- a mere one-hour drive from the booming city of Davao and less than an hour away from the new city of Tagum.

Since its creation in 1969, MEPI has become one of the brightest points in Philippine agriculture. It is a showcase of what MDAHI can offer you as a dynamic and globally competitive agribusiness group.

Behind MEPI's success are internally developed technologies and a management style that recognizes the efforts of each individual employee. In fact, the plantation continues to be a barometer in the industry as far as wages and salaries are concerned. This guiding principle has rewarded us with the invaluable support of a strong labor force committed to meet the company's annual production estimates. This dedication has enabled us to exceed our own production records year after year and deliver on our commitments to buyers around the globe.

Through technology and teamwork, MEPI has achieved unprecedented growth and stability. For the last ten years, our average yield per hectare annually is 4,250 boxes (13.5kg/box). The industry average is only at about 3,300 boxes per hectare annually. In 1999, we have successfully reached our highest annual production of a record-breaking six (6) million boxes or 4,600 boxes per hectare. This production record is indeed one of the highest in the industry.

In order to adhere to our buyer's strict quality control standards and production requirements, MEPI has heavily invested in its Research and Development Division. Today, the company is recognized as having the only biotechnology research unit in the banana industry. Because of other expansion projects, this division has become a separate corporate entity -- the Marsman-Drysdale Biotech and Research Corporation (MDBRC).

The success of MEPI has led to many other agricultural ventures for MDAHI, with other banana plantations patterned after MEPI's successful operations. We have also put in place the first truly organic banana farm in the country, the Marsman Drysdale Organic Farms, Inc., where the technologies and innovations developed by MDBRC are extensively used.

MEPI is now a strong candidate for the Model Farm Award in Region XI. In compliance with the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA), the Marsman Estate Plantation, Inc. has continued to maximize agricultural productivity, promote efficiency and equity, and accelerate the modernization of agricultural sector in the country.

As the management and employees of MEPI proceed through the new century, we do so with the same dedication and commitment to excellence that has earned for us our place at the forefront of the agribusiness industry