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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider US gov't helps Luzon farmers launch e-commerce site for wider market

US gov't helps Luzon farmers launch e-commerce site for wider market

Published Sep 11, 2023 06:17 am

The United States government has partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Nueva Vizcaya Agricultural Terminal (NVAT) to launch a first-of-its-kind e-commerce platform that will help Luzon-based farmer-traders expand their market reach.

The move will also strengthen the country's agricultural supply chain, the US Embassy in Manila said.

According to the embassy, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) assisted in the initiation of NVAT Fresh Online Platform (NVATFresh.com), which will be directly managed and operated by NVAT, a Luzon-based agricultural hub.

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The platform is a business-to-business (B2B) online platform where farmers can list their produce for large enterprises. These include supermarkets, food processing companies, and restaurant chains.

USAID also helped the country in the initiative through a P1-billion Strengthening Private Enterprises for the Digital Economy (SPEED) project, which ran for five years.

The agency during the course of time had provided technical assistance, onboarding support, and training for NVAT and its stakeholders who use the platform.

"Through the platform, farmers can leverage competitive pricing, secure a consistent income, reduce food wastage, and ensure the delivery of fresh, affordable produce straight to businesses and consumers," the embassy said.

In the initial phase of its implementation, NVAT Fresh Online is projected to facilitate the sales of 5,000 tons of produce, accounting for 3 percent of NVAT's total volume, according to the embassy.

Future estimates anticipate sales surging to roughly 20,000 tons, which can generate up to P500 million ($8.8 million) by its fifth operational year, it added.

USAID Philippines Deputy Mission Director Rebekah Eubanks, in her remark, emphasized the farmers' crucial role in achieving inclusive and resilient economic growth.

"As your partner in prosperity, the United States remains committed to supporting the Philippines in advancing digitalization to help improve the lives of farmers and agricultural traders, and more importantly, enhance the country’s food security," Eubanks said.

NVAT is ranked among the country's most extensive wholesale markets for fresh produce, delivering 60 percent of its fresh fruits and vegetables to Metro Manila and Central Luzon, the embassy said. It distributes products sourced from various provinces including Benguet, Ifugao, and Pangasinan.

Through SPEED, USAID aims to expand digital transformation across other agricultural and farming communities in the Philippines.

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