Vegetable Trading in Baguio and La Trinidad Stabilizes After Recent Fluctuations

Trading of vegetables in the cities of Baguio and La Trinidad in Benguet has returned to normal, as reported by the Department of Agriculture (DA). This news comes after a period where vegetable supplies were either given away for free or sold at lower prices. The situation was particularly noticeable in early January when fewer purchases were made at the trading centers, leading to a backlog and deterioration of some produce.

Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa of the DA explained that from January 8 onwards, normal trading resumed in the trading centers of La Trinidad and Baguio. The stocks of primary vegetables like cabbage, wombok (Napa cabbage), and carrots were being depleted daily by 2 p.m., and prices had returned to their usual rates.

This fluctuation in vegetable trading was partially attributed to a small reduction in vegetable production in 2023 compared to 2022. To mitigate similar issues in the future, the DA plans to build an additional trading post in the Mountain Province and implement zoning of crop production and clustering and consolidation of farms.

The return to regular trading patterns is a positive development for both consumers and farmers in the region, ensuring stability in the supply and pricing of essential vegetables.