The Federation of Benguet Farmers Cooperative (FBFC) was established through years of collaboration, consultation, and shared commitment among farmers’ cooperatives in Benguet.

The foundation of the federation began in 2015, when then Department of Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala encouraged the organization of the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center Farmers’ Leader Council (BAPTC-FLC). Through the initiative of the BAPTC Project Management Office, accredited farmers’ cooperatives and associations were convened, leading to the election of an interim Board of Directors composed of farmer leaders.

In 2017, the Farmers’ Leader Council (FLC) was formally ratified through a Project Steering Committee resolution, strengthening farmer representation in the governance of the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (BAPTC). To further enhance coordination and organization, the FLC established its Education Committee in December of the same year. This committee was tasked to engage cooperatives across Benguet and neighboring provinces in forming a unified federation that could eventually take a greater role in managing the BAPTC.

On January 23, 2018, the FLC formally approved the creation of a federation of farmers’ cooperatives. An interim committee was organized to lead its formation and registration. By April 2018, participating cooperatives committed to register the federation under the Cooperative Development Authority, with nineteen (19) primary cooperatives initially expressing their intent to join.

Throughout 2018 and 2019, extensive preparations were undertaken, including the conduct of Pre-Membership Education Seminars (PMES), compliance with regulatory requirements, and the submission of General Assembly resolutions from member cooperatives. By May 10, 2019, sixteen (16) primary cooperatives completed all necessary requirements and elected interim officers to oversee the registration process.

On August 22, 2019, the organization was officially named the Federation of Benguet Farmers Cooperative. However, the registration process was temporarily delayed due to regulatory restrictions issued by the Cooperative Development Authority on the registration of federations and unions.

Despite these challenges, the federation continued to strengthen its organizational foundation and demonstrate its readiness to serve as a unified body representing farmers’ cooperatives. The initiative was closely aligned with the vision of positioning the BAPTC as a farmer-led social enterprise, capable of delivering efficient and responsive services to stakeholders.

In 2021, the Farmers’ Leader Council reaffirmed its full support for the federation. By December of that year, all documentary requirements had been completed and submitted for final evaluation.

On March 30, 2022, the Federation of Benguet Farmers Cooperative was officially registered with the Cooperative Development Authority, granting it full legal personality. This milestone marked the formal establishment of the federation as a recognized organization representing farmers’ cooperatives across Benguet.

Following its registration, the federation conducted its Special General Assembly on June 22, 2022, where its official set of officers was elected. The federation was also granted office space within the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center, further strengthening its presence and operational capacity.

With the support of the Department of Agriculture, under Secretary William Dar, the federation was recognized as the legitimate farmers’ representative to the BAPTC Project Steering Board. This recognition affirmed the federation’s role as an inclusive and unified voice for farmers in the region.

In 2023, the federation continued to solidify its position, formally participating in BAPTC governance and holding its first Annual General Assembly on April 26, 2023—a significant step in strengthening institutional governance and member engagement.