March 28, 2024

Another market outlet for fresh farm produce.

Various farmers’ groups in the region are exhibiting their products in Baguio’s largest mall to give consumers a farm-to-market experience.

The Department of Agriculture has partnered with SM Baguio and Resto PH for the Farmers’ Produce market, an initiative that provides consumers the chance to buy fresh farm products and provide farmers another outlet for their harvests.

Launched on Oct. 22, the Farmers Produce market will run until Nov. 1 at the SM Baguio Atrium from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. It features fresh and reasonably priced agri-fishery products.

“The reception of people during our first leg was overwhelming, and so we decided to continue on and bring this experience to more shoppers. At the same time, we are very happy to help our local farmers and businesses the best way we can,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan.

Resto PH, an organization of restaurant brands in the Philippines, is also taking part in the caravan, allowing for an increased linkage for local farmers to market their harvest.

Said to be the biggest and longest caravan leg, the initiative provides consumers a wide selection of affordable organic produce sourced straight from local farms to help jumpstart the country’s agriculture and restaurant industry in a sustainable and socially responsible manner.

The groups participating in the caravan are the Bosigan Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MPC), Cacadcadaan Farmers’ MPC, Palayen Farms or Tiking Manyedyed Farmers’ Association, La Trinidad Organic Practitioners MPC, Our Farmers Haven, Tublay Organic Farming Practitioners Agriculture Cooperative, Cordillera Organic Practitioners Multipurpose Cooperative, Barangay Loacan Organic Farmers’ Association, Benguet Heirloom Rice Farmers Agriculture Cooperatives, Mountain Province Heirloom Rice Farmers Agriculture Cooperative, Kalinga Rice Terrace Farmers Agricultural Cooperative, Gameng Inc., Atok Arabica Coffee Growers Marketing Cooperative, Tuba Benguet Coffee Growers Association, Mountain High Dairy Cooperative, Bantey Pisek Kiweng Organization, Inc., and Seeds and Fruits Multi-purpose Cooperative.

The DA is also exhibiting farm-fresh produce, such as vegetables, tea and coffee selections, local wines, fruits in season, violet potatoes, and heirloom rice.

Various plants from the Bureau of Plant Industry are also exhibited to benefit plant lovers.

Resto PH restaurants like Mango Tree cafe, Kureji, House of Yogurt, Black Scoop Cafe, North Brew, Green Smoothie, and Meat Plus Café are also selling meals prepared using the farmers’ ingredients at pop-up booths at Farmers’ Produce. – Jane B. Cadalig