In a significant development for Luzon-based farmer traders and the Philippines’ agricultural supply chain, a pioneering e-commerce platform called the NVAT Fresh Online Platform was launched on August 31st.
This groundbreaking initiative is a result of collaboration between the United States government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Nueva Vizcaya Agricultural Terminal (NVAT).
The aim is to connect farmers with large enterprises like supermarkets, food processing companies, and restaurant chains, thus expanding market access and enhancing the overall agricultural ecosystem.
NVATFresh.com is a business-to-business (B2B) online platform that enables farmers to list their produce directly on the platform. This innovative approach allows farmers to:
- Offer competitive pricing.
- Secure a stable income.
- Minimize food wastage.
- Guarantee the delivery of fresh, affordable produce to businesses and consumers.
With support from USAID’s Strengthening Private Enterprises for the Digital Economy (SPEED) project, which involves a five-year investment of Php1 billion (approximately $18 million), NVAT and its stakeholders have received technical assistance, onboarding support, and training to effectively utilize the platform.
In its initial phase, NVAT Fresh Online is expected to facilitate the sale of 5,000 tons of produce, representing 3 percent of NVAT’s total volume. Projections for the future anticipate sales soaring to approximately 20,000 tons, generating ₱500 million (around $8.8 million) by the platform’s fifth year of operation.
Rebekah Eubanks, Deputy Mission Director of USAID Philippines, stressed the pivotal role of farmers in fostering inclusive and resilient economic growth.
She underscored the United States’ dedication to assisting the Philippines in advancing digitalization to improve the lives of farmers and agricultural traders and, more crucially, enhance the nation’s food security.
DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual expressed his gratitude to USAID for its support, emphasizing the groundbreaking nature of NVAT Fresh.
“To say that NVAT is a trailblazer is an understatement. The birth of NVAT Fresh is a significant accomplishment,” said Secretary Pascual, whose remarks were delivered by DTI Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Ana Carolina Sanchez.
Senior Undersecretary Domingo F. Panganiban from the Department of Agriculture (DA) underscored the societal impact of platforms like NVAT Fresh Online on farmers.
“The most striking feature of progress in agriculture today is the rapid increase in the utilization of information technology to provide both farmers and consumers alike with reliable, data-driven information and guidance,” said Senior Undersecretary Panganiban.
He expressed confidence that this online platform would nurture enduring connections with farmers and agribusiness entrepreneurs in Nueva Vizcaya.
NVAT is one of the country’s largest wholesale markets for fresh produce, responsible for delivering 60 percent of its fresh fruits and vegetables to Metro Manila and Central Luzon. As a crucial hub, it sources products from various provinces, including Benguet, Ifugao, and Pangasinan.
Through the SPEED project, USAID aims to extend digital transformation efforts to other agricultural and farming communities across the Philippines. This initiative signifies a significant step forward in harnessing technology to create a more efficient and prosperous agricultural sector.
In conclusion, the NVAT Fresh Online Platform stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and technology in supporting farmers, enhancing food security, and strengthening the agricultural supply chain in the Philippines.
With its potential to revolutionize the way farmers connect with businesses, this initiative holds promise for a brighter future for Luzon-based agriculture.
Business Bayani PH 
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