INSTITUTIONAL BUYERS IN AGRI TO BENEFIT FARMERS–BERNOS

A member of the House of Representatives’ committee on agriculture and food urged the Department of Agriculture to continue seeking institutional partners to benefit farmers and help reduce crop wastage in the country

This after the agency recently announced that at least eight institutional buyers have expressed an interest in sourcing red onions directly from Mindoro following a virtual market matching it conducted on March 31. The DA added that the potential monthly demand from these buyers ranges from 5 to 16 metric tons.

“Institutional partnerships are a good avenue that we can explore to ensure the livelihood of agricultural workers and minimize crop wastage. I hope that the DA continues to engage partners in the private sector in this regard,” Abra lone district Rep. JB Bernos said.

In 2024, Agriculture Sec. Francisco Tiu Laurel said that about 30 percent of the country’s agricultural produce, especially vegetables, is wasted due to a poor logistics system. Tiu Laurel however admitted that there is no accurate data to quantify farm losses, and that the 30 percent estimate was based on his experience as an owner of a cold chain logistics company.

Bernos cited the need for institutional buyers as a complement to heavy investments in post-harvest facilities, as he said that “having ready buyers addresses the uncertainty that farmers usually face in selling on their produce.”

The lawmaker also touted the DA’s role in mediating between producers and buyers and ensuring that farmers benefit from these purchase agreements.

“Sa huli, dapat na napoprotektahan ang ating mga magsasaka at ang kanilang interes. Natutuwa naman tayo at mukhang kasama sa ginagawa ng DA ang pagsiguro na hindi malulugi ang mga magsasaka sa mga purchase agreements,” Bernos said.