Government to boost Agri-Trade and fishery sector
Philippines Department of Agriculture is evaluating and planning for added investments to agriculture sector as part of the national support to local farmers and fishermen.
During a visit to the Agricultural Products Market Center in Sariaya, Quezon, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. stressed the importance of extending support to farmers from production to marketing and enhancing the capabilities of the country’s trading posts.
The agri chief said farming will be more sustainable if there are enough facilities that allow farmers to directly market their produce. The Sentrong Pamilihan, established in 2007, has served as the main trading area for vegetables and other agricultural products, not only in Sariaya but nearby production sites as well.
The opening of the trading post – a market place for local farmers to sell their harvest – has improved their incomes. The trading center has motivated Quezon farmers to expand production areas, contributing to the food security agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. Sariaya farmers said.
According to Sec. Tiu Laurel, the DA is preparing a national logistics plan that will connect vegetable farms and other food growing areas to food hubs like the Food Terminal, Inc. in Taguig City.
“We will link vegetable farmers with the Taguig mega cold storage and continue to provide support and assistance in terms of transport so they can sell their produce at the right price,” Sec. Tiu Laurel said
