The issue of post-harvest produce loss is a major challenge for farmers. A study revealed that nearly half of the produce at a major agricultural trading point in the Philippines goes to waste. To address this, a food bank was established, utilizing dry trucks to transport and preserve fresh vegetables, helping to minimize losses and stabilize farmers’ income.
Food Bank: A Lifeline for Fresh Produce
Rise Against Hunger Philippines (RAHP) has implemented a unique program at the Nueva Vizcaya Agricultural Terminal (NVAT), where thousands of farmers gather to trade produce. This program operates as a food bank, allowing farmers to exchange surplus produce for essential goods. This model not only helps reduce food waste but also supports the livelihoods and food security of the local community.
Causes of Produce Waste and the Role of Dry Trucks
Produce waste occurs for many reasons. Produce may be discarded due to aesthetic imperfections such as size, color, or damage from insects, or transportation. Even produce that meets standards may go unsold due to oversupply or fluctuating market prices. Transporting produce in dry trucks, equipped with appropriate temperature control and ventilation systems, can significantly reduce losses during transit from farm to point of consumption.
Rodolfo Eugenio Valdez, a trader at NVAT, shared that when business is slow, discarding produce is unavoidable. He added that low prices and oversupply make it difficult to sell many types of vegetables. Dry trucks play a crucial role in maintaining the quality of produce during transport, especially for vegetables that are sensitive to temperature and humidity.
Loss From Farm to Table
Produce loss occurs not only at the trading point but also on the farm itself. Melania Runas, a 61-year-old farmer, said that about 30% of her crops do not reach the market due to pests, weather, or over-ripening. Of the produce sold, only a small portion is of high quality and sells for a good price. She shared her sadness at having to discard good-quality produce that does not meet aesthetic standards. The food bank and the use of dry trucks for transportation help alleviate this burden. Proper preservation in dry trucks will help extend the shelf life of produce, reduce waste, and maximize profits for farmers.
Conclusion
The food bank combined with transportation by dry trucks is an effective solution to reduce produce loss, support farmers, and ensure food security. This model helps maximize the use of agricultural resources, bringing economic and social benefits to the community. Investing in modern dry truck systems is a necessary step for sustainable agricultural development.
