Government plots new roadmap to boost supply of vegetables, high-value crops

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) is drawing up a new roadmap to ensure a steady supply of vegetables and high-value crops, a measure that is part of a long-term plan to shield the country’s food system from climate shocks and price volatility.

The DA said the roadmap would prioritize the development of food corridors near major urban centers, equipped with greenhouses, refrigerated warehouses and modern post-harvest systems to allow year-round production, extend freshness and cut down on waste.

The department added that such measures are intended to stabilize prices and lessen the impact of supply disruptions on inflation.

“This is the essence of President Marcos’ vision - a modern, climate-resilient, tech-powered agriculture sector that truly supports our farmers while ensuring food security for every Filipino,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said in a statement.

The agency added that the approach will be demand-driven and market-oriented, designed to match production with consumer needs while drawing on best practices, new technologies and stronger community networks to ensure long-term sustainability.

It said that climate change has made the shift urgent, citing that a series of storms and floods last month disrupted vegetable supply chains and pushed up prices.

“We cannot afford to rely on good weather anymore. Protected cultivation is no longer optional – it’s a necessity,” Tiu Laurel said.

Tiu Laurel said the initiative is inspired by South Korea’s so-called “White Revolution,” which transformed vegetable farming in the 1970s to 1990s through greenhouses and mulching technologies.

The DA said the roadmap would adapt these lessons to local conditions, combining modern greenhouse techniques with improved logistics and post-harvest systems to strengthen food security.

The agency expects procurement for infrastructure and equipment to begin by late 2025, with the first food corridors set to be operational by the second half of next year.

Government data shows the Philippines imported $461.8 million worth of processed vegetables, fruits, nuts and other plant products in 2024.

Despite a slight drop from the previous year, the DA said the country remains a net food importer, with an agricultural trade deficit of $11.71 billion, highlighting the gap that the new roadmap aims to address.