DA, San Miguel team up to connect corn farmers with buyers

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has teamed up with San Miguel Foods to provide corn farmers with direct access to major buyers, ensuring secure and timely payments.

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed on Friday, January 17, in Pasig City, with both parties aiming to address supply chain challenges, promote sustainable farming practices, and streamline the agricultural value chain.

“This partnership gives farmers direct access to buyers, but we must also invest in postharvest facilities to guarantee high-quality crops that meet market demands,” said Roger Navarro, former president of the Philippine Maize Federation, in a statement from the DA.

The DA has pledged to enhance postharvest infrastructure to complement the marketing channels created by the partnership as part of its broader sustainable agriculture strategy.

Recent data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) revealed that 3,329.18 metric tons (MT) of corn were produced in the third quarter of 2024, marking a 12.3% decline from the 3,797.86 MT produced in the same period in 2023. — DVM, GMA Integrated News