Vegetable farmers and traders in Benguet and Mountain Province have expressed concern over the growing volume of imported carrots in major markets, saying the influx has driven down prices of locally grown produce.
Members of the League of Associations at the La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Area Inc. reported seeing imported carrots in Metro Manila and Quezon markets, while unsold local carrots accumulated at the La Trinidad Trading Post.
Carrot prices have dropped to as low as P20 per kilo, with lower-grade produce selling for only P8 per kilo, below production and transport costs.
Farmers and traders have appealed to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. to investigate the shipments, suspecting that some imported carrots may have entered the country illegally.
They warned that the continued influx of imported carrots and other vegetables could lead to significant losses for small-scale growers.
Source: PhilNews24 | June 21, 2026
