Senator Imee Marcos has put forward a proposal to create a digital agriculture data dashboard (ADD) designed to give a comprehensive, real-time overview of the country’s food supply.
The system would track critical data points such as crop production, harvest schedules, import levels, and farm-to-market prices, providing a centralized platform for informed decision-making by both the government and stakeholders.
RELATED: [P3.6-B Mega Food Hub In Clark To Modernize Agri-Logistics]
Driving Policy with Accurate Data
“Data should drive our food policy, not guesswork or middlemen. We need a system that shows the real picture from farm to market,” Marcos said in a statement. “With accurate data, we can prevent overproduction, stop speculative pricing, and ensure fair prices for both farmers and consumers. This is the foundation of true food sovereignty.”
The dashboard aims to guide the government in policy-making, helping to ensure that imports are made only when necessary, local production is supported, and food waste is minimized.
By consolidating this information, Marcos said the country can stabilize prices, strengthen local agricultural output, and respond more effectively to supply challenges.
Empowering Farmers and Communities
Senator Francis Pangilinan, author of the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010, highlighted the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS), a community-based certification framework that supports organic farmers.
“It eliminates the costly process of third-party certification and enables small farmers to access local markets more easily, strengthening grassroots participation and ensuring credibility in organic production,” Pangilinan shared.
The proposed ADD is expected to benefit Filipino consumers by ensuring stable food prices and consistent availability of fresh produce. Small-scale farmers will gain better access to markets and fairer compensation for their crops, while policymakers will have the tools to address potential supply gaps before they impact prices.
Ultimately, the dashboard is envisioned as a key step toward a more resilient, transparent, and equitable food system nationwide.
RELATED: [Bulacan Embraces Agri Innovation With Metro Pacific Fresh Farm Facility]
