The National Sectoral Committee on Fruits and Vegetables (NSC-FV), through a policy resolution, urged the Department of Agriculture (DA) to develop a mitigation plan addressing the potential impact of the ongoing fuel supply chain disruption on the country鈥檚 fruits and vegetables sector.
During its first quarter regular meeting held on March 19, 2026, the Committee raised concerns over the possible ripple effects of rising global oil prices on agricultural logistics, production costs, and market stability. While current price monitoring of the DA- Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS) indicates that fuel price increases have not yet affected prevailing market prices, stakeholders emphasized the urgency of preparing interventions to cushion farmers, traders, and consumers from anticipated cost pressures.
鈥淎s early as now, sana the Department of Agriculture would come up with a mitigation plan for this [fuel disruption situation] to help the farmers. They鈥檙e talking about fuel subsidy for running their farming equipment and interventions as far as logistics,鈥� said Dr. Mary Ann Sayoc, Chairperson of the NSC on FV.
Discussions during the meeting highlighted increasing operational costs across the value chain, including higher trucking fees, electricity expenses for cold storage, and logistics costs. Stakeholders also flagged risks such as potential power outages that could disrupt storage systems and lead to spoilage, particularly in sensitive commodities like onions.
DA-AMAS noted that price movements are continuously monitored, with forecasts generally aligning with actual trends. However, current models do not yet factor in external shocks such as fuel supply fluctuations. The agency is reportedly developing strategies to address the potential impacts of the crisis, particularly on logistics and fuel-related costs.
Beyond the fuel crisis, the Committee also unanimously endorsed the proposed FY 2027 Plan and Budget Proposal of the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP). This endorsement reaffirms a commitment to scaling up high-value crop productivity, bolstering national food security, and systematically reducing the country’s reliance on imports. The proposal outlines priority commodities across fruits, vegetables, legumes, spices, and industrial crops, alongside major projects such as the Protected Cultivation System, Community-Based Nurseries, and Vegetable Project for Local Food Security.
The meeting also surfaced broader sectoral concerns, including the need to strengthen local production of agricultural inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides to reduce import dependence. Stakeholders underscored that rising input costs, coupled with external shocks, could significantly affect farmer incomes if left unaddressed.
In addition, the Committee adopted resolutions revisiting policy recommendations on urban agriculture, particularly the use of deep wells for irrigation in Quezon City, and supporting financial assistance for the annual Mango Congresses.
With multiple resolutions passed, the NSC-FV strengthened its role in policy advocacy for the fruits and vegetables sector, with a focus on proactive measures to address emerging economic and environmental challenges. | Joy Camille Luza
