Institutional buyers tap Mindoro onions, eye up to 16 MT monthly supply
MANILA – At least eight institutional buyers are looking to source red onions directly from Mindoro following a virtual market matching activity organized by the Department of Agriculture on March 31.
In a statement, the DA said the initiative—led by its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service and its Mimaropa regional office—generated potential monthly demand ranging from 5 to 16 metric tons (MT), opening new market opportunities for local farmers.
Among the participating buyers were Walter Mart Supermarket, Robinsons Supermarket, Nutri-Asia, Vikings Group, Blue McKay Food Manufacturing, Agro-Digital PH, Bernabe Market, and the New Las Piñas Market.
Christopher Bañas, regional executive director of DA-Mimaropa, assured farmers that the agency will continue to provide support to ensure that initial market linkages lead to actual and sustainable transactions.
He emphasized that beyond connecting producers to buyers, the DA is committed to guiding cooperatives and associations to fulfill agreements and secure tangible benefits for farmers.
One of the key outcomes of the activity was the agreement to allow farmer groups to set their own farmgate and delivery prices, ensuring fair compensation for their produce.
To help reduce logistics costs, the DA plans to deploy Kadiwa trucks for transporting goods to key markets in Cavite and the National Capital Region. Meanwhile, the New Las Piñas Market pledged to allocate priority selling space for onions from Mindoro.
Buyers also expressed interest in other agricultural products from the region, including garlic, bell pepper, ginger, and calamansi.
Rustom Gonzaga highlighted that the initiative aims to establish long-term and mutually beneficial partnerships rather than simply addressing short-term supply needs.
Participants from Mindoro included municipal agriculture offices from Magsaysay, Sablayan, Paluan, and Bulalacao, as well as farmer groups such as the Mindoro Progressive Multi-Purpose Cooperative and the Occidental Mindoro Onion Industry Council.
The DA noted that while the projected demand of up to 16 MT per month is a positive development, details on pricing, final volume commitments, and delivery schedules are still being finalized between farmers and buyers.
NPO News Team | Philippine News Agency -PR
