DILIMAN, Quezon City — With the high cost of fuel preventing traders from buying and transporting vegetables from Benguet, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is sending trucks to address the reported oversupply that has left most farm produce idle, leading to unwarranted losses for farmers who rely on consistent market demand.

According to agriculture secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, “the concern was brought to my attention over the weekend prompting the agri chief to direct regional directors to act on the issue.

"Our goal is to move the vegetables efficiently and prevent waste while supporting our farmers,” Laurel pointed out.

The DA sent some 18 trycks owned by the agency to haul the vegetables and supply markets and cooperarives that need the produce. It added that all fuel costs will be shouldered by the government to ensure that the vegetables reach trading hubs such as the Baguio Agricultural Produce Trading Center.
While acknowledging that the problem cannot be solved overnight, Laurel noted that the initiative would relieve immediate pressures.

“I will go to Baguio on Wednesday to check firsthand what is happening and determine how we can provide immediate assistance,” he disclosed while stressing that the Marcos administration is committed to supporting farmers and improving supply chain coordination.

Accordingly, the vegetables will also be moved from La Trinidad in Benguet and other municipalities directly to the Kadiwa outlets in Metro Manila and other urban markets to expand the distribution network beyond traditional trading centers in order to stabilize prices.

As another precautionary measure, the DA is likewise deploying additional modular storage units to temporarily hold farmers‘ surplus produce to avoid wastage and keep prices steady.