DAR: Planters earn more by selling directly to consumers

Farmers belonging to 8 different agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs) reported a gross income of P252, 278 in the first quarter by selling their fresh and processed agricultural products directly to consumers.

By eliminating the middleman, farmers from these ARBOs based in Camarines Sur earned more, according to the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).

DAR-Camarines Sur II attributes this to the participation of planters in various direct marketing platforms like weekly Tiangges, the Tindarhan Corner and Online Store, and the new SM Sunday Market project in Naga City.

“From January to March, the farmers are directly selling processed food and freshly harvested produce to consumers at fair prices, maximizing income by eliminating middlemen and fostering sustainable relationships with buyers,” said Renato C. Bequillo, provincial chief of DAR-Camarines Sur II.

Bequillo detailed the sources of the sales, highlighting that the regular Tiangge held monthly outside the DAR Provincial Office brought in P154,098.15. Additionally, the Tindarhan Corner and Online Store, which made their debut in March, collected initial sales amounting to P42,060. Also, the SM Sunday Market, introduced in February of this year, generated P56,120 in sales.

The cooperation between the DAR, ARBOs, and SM Malls was key in creating these opportunities. “Not only will this be a venue for showcasing local products, but it will also raise awareness that these ARBOs can meet community requirements and be partners for economic development with appropriate support,” Bequillo added.

Aiza B. Mendez, OIC-Provincial Chief for Support Services, said she is “delighted” with the results, which showcase both the opportunities and challenges experienced by the farmers through these direct selling platforms.

“The volume and sales our farmers are seeing speak volumes about the opportunities and challenges we must overcome together,” Mendez said.

Well-milled rice from Dominanao Selverio Estate Irrigator’s Association is the top seller, followed by processed foods, fresh produce, and more from groups like Balaton Farmers-Fishers Organization, Lagonoy; Binanuaanan Community Agriculture Cooperative, Pili; San Antonio Agrarian Reform Organization, Bombon; Siembre Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organization, Bombon; Panicuason Farmers Association, Naga City; Sto. Niño Pili Vegetable Growers Association, Pili; and Vegetable Growers Association of Libod- Tinawagan, Tigaon.

“This early success indicates a profitable future is possible for Filipino farmers through direct selling, bringing their fresh and nutritious produce straight to consumers’ plates,” Mendez said.

Partnership
To boost farmers’ income, DAR in the Cagayan Valley region has renewed its partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) under the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP).

Representatives from the two agencies signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) as part of the effort to reduce hunger and poverty in the area and ensure food security by linking community-based organizations like the ARBOs to institutional buyers as sure markets for their products.

DAR Regional Director Primo C. Lara said that since 2020, DAR Cagayan Valley region has already linked 15 ARBOs to 14 institutional buyers, and the DAR continues to provide support services to the ARBOs to ensure sustainable production of food requirements to their respective institutional partners.

“We will not end up with just the MOA signing alone, but we will continue to deliver our mandates and create impact in the lives of our respective beneficiaries,” he said.

The DSWD as the lead agency in the implementation of EPAHP, is also acting based on the directive of the President under Memorandum Circular No. 47, directing all government agencies and instrumentalities, and encouraging all the local government units to support the continuous and effective implementation of the EPAHP in the country.

The activity was attended by representatives from different partner agencies including the Department of Interior and Local Government, Land Bank of the Philippines, Department of Health, National Irrigation Administration, Philippine Crop Insurance Corp., Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Agriculture, National Anti-Poverty Commission, Department of Education and National Nutrition Council among others.

Image credits: DAR Provincial Office of Camarines Sur II

Source: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2024/05/08/dar-planters-earn-more-by-selling-directly-to-consumers/