PGIN, Ilokano farmers secure partnership for white onion sale

Farmers in the municipality of Bacarra, through the assistance of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, have secured a partnership to supply an institutional buyer in Canlubang, Laguna, with white onion products from Ilocos Norte.

The province is a top producer of high-value agricultural crops, including garlic and onion thus, this new partnership marks a significant development in the trade of local produce.

Under the leadership of Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte has been steadfast in its commitment to investing more in farmers, fisherfolk, and livestock growers to ensure the productivity and profitability, as agriculture is one of the main pillars of the province's economy.

Gov. Marcos Manotoc highlighted the significance of this partnership, citing its contribution to agricultural innovations: 

"Talagang napakalaki ng investment namin sa agrikultura, but we must make sure that these investments are properly directed to the people, our farmers, livestock growers, our fisherfolks.

We, in the Provincial Government, will assure you that we will do our best to give the best opportunities that will alleviate the situation of every Ilokano family." 

Meanwhile, Engr. Ma. Teresa L. Bacnat, Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Provincial Agriculture, said "The Provincial Government is very instrumental in this endeavor by providing marketing logistics to the cooperative through the provision of a vehicle for the delivery of their products."

"The Governor also approved the provision of fuel in going to and from the place of delivery, including the travel allowance of the drivers which could have been shouldered by the farmers," she added.

From March 24 to April 16, 2024, the Bacarra Multipurpose Cooperative has already delivered a total of 21,800 kilograms of white onion products.

This direct partnership between the farmers and the 'institutional buyer' eliminates the existence of “middle men” and the price per kilo will be based on the production cost, which significantly increases the farmers’ income.

Moreover, the buyer will also provide technical assistance to the members of the cooperative, in the areas of farm management, consolidation, sorting, and transporting to maintain quality agricultural products.

PGIN intends to expand its marketing linkages to improve the operations of cooperatives in the province as they partner with other institutional buyers and increase the number of Good Agricultural Practices-Certified Areas to meet the food safety standards of buyers.