The Department of Agriculture's Kadiwa’s Veggie Connect and other market linkage programs have facilitated the sale of over 160 tons of highland vegetables in January. This initiative is expected to financially benefit nearly 100 farmers, prevent food wastage, and offer consumers affordable food options, according to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr.
Atty. Jennilyn Dawayan, officer-in-charge of the office of the Regional Executive Director-Cordillera Administrative Region, reported that 163 tons of vegetables will be sold by January 26, 2024, assisting 93 farmers from the provinces of Mt. Province, Benguet, and Ifugao. Dawayan also mentioned that the Kadiwa Veggie Connect began as a partnership with the Cordillera Association of Regional Executives to monitor vegetable supply and unsold vegetable quantities, particularly cabbages and Chinese cabbages whose prices have plummeted due to an oversupply.
Unsold vegetables from various trading posts, initially totaling 11 tons, were procured by national government offices in Baguio City and surrounding areas between January 5 and 6. Farmers sold 44 tons from January 8 to 14, followed by 105 tons a week later.
Source: www.da.gov.ph