DA reminds shipping lines: 25% cargo space, discounted rate for agri products
The Department of Agriculture (DA) said that domestic shipping lines must allocate at least 25 percent of their cargo space to the transportation of agricultural produce at a discounted rate.
In a statement on Sunday, Feb. 4, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. said that this directive, which is in line with the law, is designed to minimize wastage, bolster farmers' earnings, and ensure food security.
Last week, Tiu Laurel met with Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) officials to ensure that shipping companies follow government rules and comply with President Marcos’ directive to improve food production and modernize agriculture.
The meeting between the DA and PPA was prompted by complaints from highland vegetable farmers and traders concerning the transportation of agricultural products, both by land and sea.
“The PPA has pointed out a law that that requires shipping companies to reserve at least 25 percent of their cargo space to transport agricultural food products,” the DA quoted Tiu Laurel as saying.
“Agricultural freight rates should also be at a discounted rate to keep food prices affordable,” the official added.
Earlier, PPA General Manager Jay Santiago said the DA and his will collaborate to create “the best port and agricultural infrastructure to develop efficient logistics and speed up the delivery and distribution of products through mechanization and modernization.”