Innovation Seen as Key Factor in Bid to Improve Agri Logistics, Decrease Food Shortage, and Prices

Food producers in the country see the importance of innovation in solving issues that the agriculture industry is facing such as logistical problems and rising food prices.

Producers are proposing new ways and systems to better the logistics of produce, which will lead to a decrease in their price.

Air21 founding chairman and logistics expert Alberto Lina said during a Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food, Inc. (PCAFI) press briefing Wednesday that food prices may be reduced logistical problems are solved.

He added that several key government agencies might spearhead the initiative by adding more storage facilities, grain dryers and silos, and milling machines.

Moreover, he said that farmers from remote areas should have access to temperature-controlled vehicles and internet access so that products may reach consumers without always needing a middleman to mediate everything.

Farm-to-market road development should also be continued.

PCAFI president Danilo Fauso added that solving logistical issues will also lead to less food wastage, further decreasing food prices and keeping stockpiles in check in case of shortages.

Fauso also echoed Lina’s call for government agencies to be involved, saying that the government should aid in the productivity of farmers by providing them with seeds, fertilizers, and financing. (GFB)