In a recent development this December, the illicit trade of “Baguio” vegetables has been thwarted, shedding light on a concerning trend of misrepresented produce infiltrating local markets. Boxes carrying the deceptive A.B.C. Baguio label were intercepted, exposing a network that bypasses the genuine highland growers who typically supply these markets.
The League of Associations at the La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Areas, Inc (LALTVTA) revealed that the seized carrots and potatoes are not native to Benguet or Baguio, as these regions do not engage in mass production for export purposes. Instead, the league alleges that the produce originated from China, linking some of the items to a prior confiscation in Olongapo and Zambales in November.
Benguet traders have consistently voiced their concerns over the influx of Chinese and other foreign crops, decrying the adverse impact on the local grower economies. The league strongly condemns the rampant smuggling of vegetables, emphasizing its detrimental effects on the local vegetable industry, farmers, and other stakeholders dependent on agriculture.
Agot Balanoy, a representative from LALTVTA, reiterated the league’s appeal to the government for enhanced anti-smuggling measures and urgent attention to the issues raised by local farmers regarding the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). The RCEP, a trade deal involving 15 countries in Asia and Southeast Asia, has already led to an influx of imported vegetables at lower prices, negatively impacting the local agriculture sector.
While no concrete actions have been taken to date, Balanoy mentioned that the league has secured a commitment for a meeting with national offices in January 2024 to discuss these pressing concerns. The hope is that this engagement will lead to effective strategies to safeguard the interests of local growers and address the challenges posed by the evolving trade landscape.
