Business · Philippines Bureau
Philippines needs 10-12 mega food hubs to improve agricultural distribution
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has called for the establishment of at least 10 to 12 mega food hubs nationwide to streamline the movement of farm and fishery products to market. The proposal aims to help rural producers reduce distribution costs and reach consumers more efficiently.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — The Department of Agriculture is pushing for the creation of major food distribution centers across the Philippines to address bottlenecks in the country's agricultural supply chain. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. outlined the infrastructure initiative during the House committee on appropriations' budget hearing on Tuesday, presenting the plan as essential to supporting the nation's farming and fishing communities.
The proposed mega food hubs would serve as centralized facilities where farmers and fisherfolk can consolidate their produce for more efficient transport and sale. By reducing intermediaries and distribution costs, the hubs are expected to improve market access for rural producers while potentially lowering consumer prices for agricultural commodities.
Tiu Laurel presented the infrastructure proposal as part of the Department of Agriculture's 2027 budget submission, signaling the administration's commitment to modernizing the country's food supply network. The timing reflects growing concerns about agricultural productivity and food security as the nation works to strengthen its farming sector amid economic and climate pressures.