La trinidad: The Benguet State University (BSU) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) - Cordillera are leading a three-year research project to identify the causes of vegetable oversupply in the region, a persistent issue that has troubled local farmers. The project, titled 'Agri-Innovate: Development and Piloting of Supply Chain/Value Chain Solutions for Excess Supply and Resource Recovery of Vegetables in the Cordillera Administrative Region,' commenced on June 1, 2024, and is set to conclude on May 31, 2027. Currently, it is in its data-gathering phase.
According to Philippines News Agency, La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post (LTVTP) market supervisor Janice Alleg stated that the study aims to assist farmers in managing fluctuating prices and avoiding losses due to overproduction. Alleg highlighted that the research could alleviate farmers' concerns regarding low vegetable prices resulting from oversupply.
The study's objective is to examine the region's vegetable supply and value chains, including farm production, transport, trading, and marketing, to comprehend the causes of market saturation and price decreases. The initial phase focuses on farmers' production schedules and crop rotation practices, leading to the distribution of produce to trading centers.
Vegetables traded in La Trinidad primarily originate from Benguet, the Mountain Province, and Ifugao. However, the frequent influx of supply has led to significant price drops, often preventing farmers from recouping even half of their production costs. In some instances, farmers have opted to donate unsold vegetables or use social media to invite the public to collect the produce for free, while others have allowed their harvests to rot due to unprofitable conditions.
Alleg noted that farmers often express dissatisfaction with low prices, with some choosing not to bring their produce to trading posts once they are informed of the unfavorable pricing. La Trinidad is home to the region's two largest vegetable trading hubs: the La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post in Barangay Pico and the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center in Barangay Betag.
Vegetable wholesalers from distant areas like Mindanao visit these trading centers daily to purchase vegetables, competing with traders supplying produce to wet markets in the Visayas, Metro Manila, and Luzon.
