Binahon Agroforestry Farm is among the first to grow chemical-free carrots in the Philippines

By: Maria Merjure V. Apao

Lantapan, Bukidno- “No Wi-Fi Zone—Let’s talk like it’s 1992.”

This sign hangs on the wall of a historic farm in Northern Mindanao. If you’re looking to escape the city noise, live out your Twilight fantasy (yes, like Forks in the movie), and taste something that literally made history in Philippine agriculture, then this place should be your next destination.

Have you been to Binahon? That was a question asked of me back in college. As someone who grew up surrounded by sand and water in Misamis Occidental and moved to Bukidnon for my studies at Central Mindanao University, I said no. I couldn’t even picture what Binahon was like.

So when I finally had the chance to visit, I was beyond excited.

Binahon Agroforestry Farm (BAFF) is located in Lantapan, Bukidnon. Getting there is already an adventure; you’re greeted with majestic mountain views and wide-open lands. It’s no wonder Bukidnon is known as the food basket of the Philippines. As Erwan Heussaff once said when he visited Bukidnon, “This doesn’t look like the Philippines,” and honestly, that was exactly what I thought during my first visit.

Back in college, I had learned that Binahon is an agroforestry farm, but I had no idea it was located near Mt. Kitanglad, a haven for endemic species of birds and trees. In fact, the farm is a registered Birding Pal site, attracting enthusiasts from around the world. But what truly shocked me? It’s home to the first chemically free carrots in the Philippines. Yes, you read that right!

When Mr. Henry Binahon, the owner of BAFF, proudly shared that their farm was among the first to produce the country’s first chemically free carrots—grown without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides—I was amazed. This milestone was made possible with support from the Department of Science and Technology.

In a 2013 online article by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), an inception meeting transpired at the Binahon Agroforestry Farm, which intends to organize and establish a chemical-free carrot production with the technical and financial assistance of various institutions such as PCAARRD, Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Central Mindanao University (CMU), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI), and LGU-Lantapan.

As a major contributor to Bukidnon’s reputation as one of the top five carrot-producing provinces in the country, the Lantapan area is now known as the “vegetable basket” of Mindanao through the implementation of the S&T Community-Based Farm (STCBF) technology transfer modality of PCAARRD.

Of course, I couldn’t leave without tasting their now-famous carrot juice. I’ll admit—I was a little hesitant. I’ve never been a veggie lover (I know some of you can relate!). At 23 years old, this was my first time drinking carrot juice. And guess what? It tasted just like regular juice—refreshing and delicious! Their secret? It’s purely organic and sweetened with local honey.

Binahon also has a carrot processing center that employs indigenous locals, meaning that every purchase supports their livelihood. Humbling, isn’t it? Their 330ml carrot with calamansi juice is priced at just ₱35. They also offer other flavors like beetroot with calamansi, lemongrass with calamansi, and cucumber with peppermint and calamansi.

But it’s not just about the drinks. They also serve healthy carrot cakes and delectable meals like patotin, vegetable salad, beef stroganoff with broccoli, and tinolang manok. Everything on the table was Instagram-worthy.

While touring the lounge area, I was again greeted by that nostalgic quote: “No Wi-Fi Zone. Let’s talk like it’s 1992.” What a perfect way to unwind! I could picture a lovely date here, away from screens and distractions. Touring the farm gave me Twilight Saga vibes, peaceful, cozy, and complete with a swimming pool and even ATVs!

I won’t keep you guessing or hungry much longer. If you want to taste history and experience Twilight vibes in real life, visit Binahon Agroforestry Farm in Lantapan, Bukidnon. It’s more than a farm, it’s a slice of history, a taste of health, and a breath of serenity.