THE agricultural logistics industry said the 30% rate of wasted farm produce can be mitigated by improving the farm-to-market link, including the transport and storage components.
Maria Teresa Roa-Antonio, who chairs the 30th AgriLink trade show, said about 20% of the waste takes place at the farm level, where growers often dump produce they cannot bring to market.
“I have seen these challenges firsthand; smallholder farmers often lose as much as 20% of their harvest before it even reaches consumers. (The produce is) left to dry by the roadside, spoiled by lack of storage, or sold (to traders) at unfair prices,” Ms. Roa-Antonio said in a speech.
She said improving the logistics chain can improve farmer incomes, not just by cutting waste but by allowing them to command better prices.
She said logistics infrastructure upgrades will require significant levels of investment.
“When the coconut farmers and copra producers are able to deliver their harvest in good condition, reach bigger markets, and keep a fair share of the profit, that is when we know collaboration is truly making a difference.” Ms. Roa-Antonio added.
AgriLink is the country’s largest trade show for agriculture, aquaculture, and food. This year’s show was dedicated to enhancing logistics in the industry. — Andre Christopher H. Alampay