Farmers in Nueva Vizcaya dumped sacks of tomatoes along the road in Bayombong after failing to sell their harvest.

The discarded tomatoes were seen along the bypass road in Bonfal East, Bayombong. Farmers said they could no longer sell the produce due to an oversupply at the Nueva Vizcaya Agricultural Terminal (NVAT)

Some residents later collected the tomatoes, which were still in good condition.

NVAT said the matter has been reported to the Department of Agriculture regional office for action. The official said supply was not excessive but fewer traders were transporting tomatoes to other provinces while other parts of Central Luzon were also in harvest season.

NVAT plans to seek assistance from non-government organizations engaged in barter trade programs, allowing farmers to exchange agricultural produce for grocery items.

The oversupply has pushed prices down in markets. In Dagupan City, tomato prices have fallen to between P10 and P20 per kilo, from as high as P260 per kilo in the last quarter of 2025.

Consumers like Rodel Lamsen welcomed the lower prices.

“Medyo nakakatipid kami kasi recently napakamahal ng mga bilihin so nakakatulong ito para sa budgeting namin,” he said.

But vendors said sales have slowed despite the cheaper prices.

“Konti-konti na lang hindi tulad noong mahal pa, mas mabilis ibenta pag mahal. Pag mura madami kaming nagbebenta,” said Jennica Zabala, a tomato vendor.

The Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) said farmgate prices in the Ilocos region have also declined due to oversupply.

“Medyo mababa ang price pero hindi naman ganoon ka-grabe compared doon sa other provinces,” Rosendo So, chairman of Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura, said.

“Yung last is around P8 to P10 per kilo. ’Yung big size ’yun, tapos ’yung small size is nasa P5 to P6,” he added.

Agriculture officials said they are monitoring the situation as farmers grapple with low returns amid a seasonal surge in supply.