CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) signed a marketing agreement with a farmer organization in the Bukidnon town of Lantapan after images of dumped tomatoes went “viral” on Facebook.
In a statement Thursday, DA-10 Director Carlene Collado said it has partnered with the Lantapan Vegetable Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative to assist its members for a market tie-up with a bulk buyer, AgriGlobal Ventures Inc.
Earlier reports said Lod Guinayon, of Barangay Alanib in Lantapan, transported 56 boxes of tomatoes or 1,400 kilos to be sold to the dealers and vendors at the Westbound Public Market in Barangay Bulua here on July 5. A box contained 25 kilos of tomatoes.
Guinayon should have earned PHP16,800 from the 56 boxes as each box sells for PHP300.
Collado said based on an investigation by the agency’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division, the buying price for “unripe and of good quality” tomatoes was PHP300 per box.
“His (Guinayon) produce ripened and was offered to be bought at only PHP100 to PHP150 per box, which prompted him to back load his produce and be dumped in their area,” Collado said.
Collado said DA-10 continuously provides logistics support and facilities through its “Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita” program, which aims to assist local government units, farmer cooperatives, and livelihood associations.
“The undersigned is encouraging farmer cooperatives and associations to coordinate with their respective municipal agriculture office and the DA-10 and participate in its program and projects that will capacitate and link them to proper market linkages,” he said.
In an interview, Neptali Ambos, Lantapan municipal agriculture officer, said Guinayon was not able to dispose of his produce right away, causing it to ripen.
He said Guinayon could have availed of government programs such as the free transport service being offered by the DA.
To ensure Guinayon and other farmers would not experience the same situation, Ambos said the farmers would also need trading posts and processing centers.
A request has been made, but it remains pending before the DA, he added.
Ambos noted that for the April-July planting season, local farmers are expected to harvest 50 tons of tomatoes. (PNA)
