THE Department of Agriculture (DA) is looking to put up a food hub in Marikina City within the BFCT Bagsakan Center, which will be managed by Food Terminal, Inc. (FTI).
In a statement, the DA said that negotiations are underway for either a joint venture or long-term lease on a one-hectare property at the Bagsakan Center site.
“We lack food terminals — places where buyers and sellers can transact at a wholesale level. This food hub will be part of the DA’s logistics roadmap,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. said.
The DA said the Marikina food hub will feature cold storage and dry warehouses.
“While the management of these food hubs will fall under the purview of Food Terminal, Inc., a KADIWA component will be integrated into their operations,” Mr. Laurel said.
The Kadiwa program enables farmers and small businesses to sell their produce direct to consumers through designated Kadiwa sites, pop-up stores, mobile stores, or online.
“These hubs will serve as vital platforms where farmers and cooperatives can directly bring their produce, facilitating transactions with wholesale buyers and individual consumers alike, all while offering agricultural products at competitive prices,” he added.
The DA said a network of food hubs will enhance the efficiency of agricultural supply chains, ensuring sufficient supply of affordable produce, especially in areas where demand is high. — Adrian H. Halili
