Benguet farmers give away unsold crops as high fuel costs lead to fewer buyers

Some local farmers in Benguet  were forced to give away their harvested crops after failing to sell them amid rising oil prices caused by the current Middle East conflict.

According to Ian Cruz’s Wednesday report on “24 Oras,” several vegetables were brought to the La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post, but only a few traders have been buying produce.

This prompted some farmers like Fernan Galino to give his crops away for free.

“Talagang nakakadurog ng puso kasi lahat mung isipin mo, sayang pero wala tayong magawa e ganun talaga,” said Galino, who gave away his Pechay Baguio (Napa Cabbage).

(It’s really heartbreaking because it’s a waste since we’re unable to sell them, but we cannot do anything about it.)

Meanwhile, farmer Jessie James managed to sell his cabbage but at a low price.

“Maghihirap ka rin maglinis sa garden eh di mas maganda na, para at least mabili, makain ng mga tao kahit mabili ng mura ganyan,” James said.

(It would be hard to maintain the garden anyway, so it’s better to sell it even at a low price so that people can at least buy and eat it.)

High fuel prices are an added burden on farmers’ expenses that include cargo trucks, labor, and food.

According to a trading association in La Trinidad, vegetable prices have dropped as several farmers harvest their crops at the same time, but traders buy fewer quantities.

“Meron kumpleto silang dating namimili na dyan pa rin pero yung trak nila.. ‘yung sampung tonelada ginawa nilang limang tonelada ang bibilhin,” said Mario Miguel, vice president of Bagsakan Association.

(Although we have regular buyers, traders have cut the amount they purchase from 10 tons to five tons.)

Due to high fuel prices, vegetable delivery driver Jefrey Velasquez said diesel costs for trips between La Trinidad and Metro Manila have increased from P16,000 to P35,000.

He said their buyers now purchase vegetables three times a week instead of every day.

The Department of Agriculture conducted a meeting with vegetable industry stakeholders in Benguet.

One proposed solution is to rehabilitate storage facilities so excess produce can be stored and gradually distributed to Metro Manila. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA News