DA, private firms partner to improve food markets

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has partnered with two private companies to provide technical assistance on design and conduct feasibility studies on the agency’s plans for the establishment of food markets and terminals in the country.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the development of food market and terminal plans with real estate property firms KMV Asia Development Corp. and Banyara Development Corporation (BDC).

Apart from property development, KMV also offers services in master planning, green architecture, interior design, design solutions, engineering, fit-out construction, sustainability rating, consultancy and real estate development management, according to its website.

Market and feasibility studies will be conducted on the location options and possible partnerships with food market operators to ensure the program’s sustainability.

The partnership is in line with its effort to pursue various solutions in organizing and establishing facilities for the produce of farmers and fisherfolks, which will then be sold directly to consumers or vendors’ associations.

“This will help maintain the freshness and quality of farm and fishery products, reduce postharvest losses, and increase the income of farmers and fisherfolks,”the DA said.

Food markets and food terminals, which may integrate processing and storage facilities, allow buyers and sellers of agricultural raw materials, products, and food to directly interact and facilitate exchange on wholesale.

The DA earlier disclosed plans of putting up a food market at the Animal Production and Development Center (APDC) in Marulas, Valenzuela.

Dar earlier directed the Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering to redesign the whole complex and help the facility co-exist with other big food markets that the DA is set to establish.