DA-CAR helps Ifugao farmers deliver 8 tons of tomatoes weekly to direct buyers

Baguio City, Philippines – To help Ifugao farmers sell their commodities and avoid wastage on harvests, the Department of Agriculture-Cordillera has been transporting 8 tons of tomatoes to buyers in Metro Manila.

In a press release of DA-CAR, Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) Chief Joan Bacbac disclosed that the department started transporting 8 tons of tomatoes in a week using two of their vehicles to reach primary buyers namely Rural RisingPH and Ateneo de Manila since August 2021.

The transport of products to potential buyers is part of the department’s “Kadiwa Ni Ani at Kita” which enables farmers to reach consumers directly. With this program, farmers could get better price points while consumers could enjoy buying fresh fruits and vegetables.

As DA-CAR has been closely collaborating with the local government units like Banaue in Ifugao, products are directly dealt with the buyers instead of marketing in Nueva Vizcaya Agricultural Terminal which, according to the department, is two to three hours away from the province.

The department likewise clarified that the circulating video in Tiktok application where tomatoes can be seen being dumped is “still unverified as to the venue or whether it is a current situation.”

The department reports that OIC-Regional Executive Director Cameron P. Odsey appealed to the LGUs to closely monitor agricultural production within their areas of jurisdiction and coordinate with the department if there are problems in marketing their produce. This is to help strategize and mobilize resources and linkages to ensure the marketing of products and prevent possible losses.

The department then advised the public “against irresponsible posting and/or circulation of videos and photos.”

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