Competition Probe Looms for Highland Vegetable Trade

The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) and the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) office have discussed competition issues in the highland vegetable trade, particularly involving carrots and cabbage. In its market study on highland vegetables, the PCC found that farmers face production and profitability constraints, imbalances in market power and bargaining positions between them and middlemen, a weak correlation between supply and wholesale and retail prices, and limited market access during harvests. The DA said it is planning to strengthen the agricultural logistics network in CAR, including upgrading warehouses, trading centers, storage facilities, and processing facilities. It has also sought to provide capital, organize consolidation centers, and offer vehicles to accredited farmer cooperatives and associations. “As part of its mandate to advance the National Competition Policy, the PCC conducts market studies to support the development of pro-competitive policies and regulatory reforms across government,” the PCC said in a statement. — Marron Joshua F. Mendoza