MLGU, BROCCOLI TRADERS, FARMERS HOLD DIALOGUE ON IMPORTATION CONCERNS

The Cordillera Broccoli Traders and Farmers Association led by its president Brenda Shagol, met with municipal officials led by Mayor Roderick Awingan and Vice Mayor Guiller Galwan this morning to discuss concerns regarding smuggled broccoli entering the local markets, which competes with the locally produced broccoli.

Shagol asked assistance from the municipal government to urgently act against the illegally imported broccoli that not only affects local farmers and traders economically, but also threatens the health of consumers due to the chemical contents used to prolong the shelf-life of the smuggled produce.

Awingan said an executive order will be released within the week which will reiterate the banning of illegally imported broccoli and other highland produce from entering the La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post and the public market. He said the LGU would also follow up the Department of Agriculture-Cordillera on its action against the issue, which was earlier brought out by the same farmers group to the agency. A task force shall also be formed to implement the EO.

Galwan, meanwhile, said they will come up with a resolution requesting the DA central office to include representation from the farmers of the province of Benguet to be included in its anti-smuggling task force. A review and updating of the trading post code shall also be expected in the coming days to further incorporate the concerns on illegal importation of highland vegetables, which competes with local produce.

Also present during the dialogue are councilors Tyrone Diaz and Belmer Elis, Executive Assistant Delmar Cariño, Municipal Agriculturist Nida Organo, LTVTP Market Supervisor Janice Alleg, and League of Associations at the LTVTP representative Augusta Balanoy, among other members of the local vegetable farmers and traders group.

The MLGU is also currently coordinating with the DA-CAR for its urgent action on the coming in of illegally imported broccoli to the local markets and markets outside of the Cordillera.

Photographer: 𝘖. 𝘌𝘮𝘱𝘪𝘢𝘯

Original Post: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Bd2Y4CpL7/