Benguet vegetable farmers struggle as rains, delays slash profits

BAGUIO CITY — Vegetables were left abandoned along a roadside in Benguet province on Sunday, signaling what farmers fear may become a widespread pattern of crop losses across the region. Growers are increasingly forced to choose between harvesting prematurely at depressed prices or watching their produce rot in the fields as prolonged rains persist.

The crisis stems from a confluence of challenges plaguing the province's agricultural sector. Extended wet weather has disrupted normal growing cycles, while bottlenecks at the La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post—the region's key distribution hub—have created backlogs lasting days. With market prices already at minimal levels, many farmers see little financial incentive to transport their harvest.

The situation threatens livelihoods across Benguet, which supplies much of the country's vegetable requirements. Farmers report that current market rates fail to cover production costs, leaving them with minimal margins even when crops reach market successfully. Early harvesting to reduce losses further compromises product quality and yield.

Agricultural officials and industry stakeholders are monitoring the situation as the rainy season continues. The combination of weather disruptions, logistical constraints, and weak pricing has created an unsustainable environment for producers already operating on narrow profit margins.