DA-10 links veggie farmer, urban consumers via direct-selling initiative

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — As part of its effort to strengthen direct market access for local farmers and improve consumer access to affordable food, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) rolled out a direct-selling activity offering fresh eggplant at PhP20.00 per kilogram on June 30 at the agency’s compound, here.

A total of 827 kilograms of eggplants were sourced from a farmer-supplier in Barangay Besigan, the city’s remotest barangay bordering Talakag, Bukidnon. The produce was transported using the DA-10 KADIWA truck, reducing the farmer’s transportation costs, allowing the vegetable to be sold at a more affordable price.

Spearheaded by DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan through the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), the initiative allows farmers from remote communities to establish a direct link to local market while enabling consumers to purchase fresh vegetables at lower price.

On the first day of the direct-selling activity , 224 kilograms of eggplant were sold to DA-10 employees, commuters, and residents passing by the agency’s compound.

The initiative supports the Department of Agriculture’s 10-Point Plan under Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., particularly the thrust to strengthen farm-to-consumer supply chain by expanding market access, improving logistics, and delivering more affordable agricultural commodities to Filipino consumers.

Toward such end, the DA-10 continues to implement direct marketing initiatives to create better market opportunities for local farmers, improve farm income, and make quality agricultural products more accessible and affordable to consumers across Northern Mindanao.# (JPC)