Tomatoes, considered both a fruit and a culinary vegetable, have become a thriving and versatile crop in the Philippines, finding their way into various dishes, sauces, and drinks. In Cagayan Valley, the tomato is not just a staple but a high-value crop, with farmers facing challenges related to seasonality and oversupply.
While tomatoes are a major agricultural product in Cagayan Valley, their seasonality poses a significant challenge to farmers. The harvest season, spanning from the end of the year to the summer season, leads to a market oversupply, causing a drastic drop in prices. Unpredictable weather conditions during the off-season further discourage farmers from planting, affecting the quality of their produce.
This issue gained attention on social media when truckloads of tomatoes were dumped on a roadside in Nueva Vizcaya, the region's leading tomato producer. Responding to the crisis, government agencies stepped in to provide interventions and technical assistance to tomato farmers.
Government Interventions and Market Linkages
The Department of Agriculture (DA) played a crucial role in linking tomato farmers to various market outlets, including the National Capital Region, institutional buyers, food processors, and other regions. Through the Nueva Vizcaya Agricultural Terminal (NVAT) – an agricultural trading facility established by DA – farmers were able to sell 68,526 kilograms of tomatoes, generating a total of P2.56 million in sales from September to November 2023.
Gilbert Cumila, the general manager of NVAT, highlighted their engagement with institutional buyers in Manila, ensuring regular deliveries twice a week using Kadiwa trucks provided by the DA regional office. The initiative benefited 269 tomato growers and 318 assorted vegetable producers in Nueva Vizcaya.
Beyond Buy and Sell: Tomato-Based Product Innovations
In addition to addressing immediate market concerns, NVAT expanded its efforts to include corporate social responsibility. In December 2023, they bought 3,243 kilograms of tomatoes and donated them to municipalities as part of their commitment to social welfare.
Recognizing the need for product diversification, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) trained tomato growers in product development. Skills ranging from making tomato jam, vinegar, wine, candy, and chips were imparted to avoid spoilage and create alternative revenue streams.
Michael Paggabao, Chief of the Trade and Industry Development Section, mentioned successful local entrepreneurs, including the Lighthouse Cooperative. This cooperative, a tomato chip producer, showcased its product, "Chichamatis," at the ASEAN-China Expo in Nanning, China. The product gained international acclaim and marked the region's first venture into the global market.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Cagayan Valley Tomatoes
As the region continues to explore opportunities for tomato-based products, local government units and national line agencies are considering additional interventions to eliminate wastage, improve farmers' lives, and bolster the local economy.
